O’Neill decided against extending his time in charge and leaves the inter-county side after two years in the role.

The 47-year-old won Division One of the Allianz National Hurling League this year after his side finished top of Group A – they shared the title with Group B winners Kilkenny.

However, provincial and All-Ireland success eluded Galway under the former Limerick hurler.

His side finished runners-up in Leinster last year and fell to eventual champions Limerick in a three-point loss at the All-Ireland semi-final stage at the end of 2020.

Galway regressed this year and failed to reach the Leinster final after a shock loss to Mattie Kenny’s Dublin.

The side were beaten by eventual semi-finalists Waterford in their only All-Ireland qualifier in July in a match where they avoided a humiliating scoreline and almost snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

In a statement, O’Neill said: “I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Galway County Board and the Hurling Committee for their unwavering support throughout my tenure,” O’Neill said in a statement released by Galway GAA.

“I am extremely grateful to them for their most professional and proactive approach to all matters related to the Galway Senior Hurling Team.

“I wish to acknowledge and commend the efforts of each and every one of the members of the backroom team. You are too numerous to mention but I must especially thank our management team of John Fitzgerald, Lukasz Kirszenstein, Fergal Healy, David Forde and Colm Callanan.

“I would like to thank the players for their hard work and dedication. It was a special privilege to be involved with some of the greats of the game.

“I wish them every success in the future.”

Galway GAA would like to thank O’Neill and his entire backroom team for their efforts over the past two seasons and has cited their commitment, dedication and professionalism as “exemplary.”

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Burke was at the helm for Wicklow’s promotion from Division Four in 2020 and their success in retaining Division Three status for 2022.

The side beat then-Ulster champions Cavan by two points to secure third-tier football for another year in a shock win.

They reached the quarter-finals of the 2020 Leinster Senior Football Championship after a win over Wexford but fell to the same opponent in this year’s Championship in the preliminary round.

Wicklow GAA have thanked Burke for his contributions to their senior football team over the past two seasons: “Wicklow GAA would like to sincerely thank Davy Burke and his management team for all their hard work and dedication over the past two years.

“Both the 2020 and 2021 seasons were severely hampered with COVID restrictions, but the constant drive from Davy to improve standards resulted in promotion to Division 3 for 2022.

“We wish Davy the very best in the future and thank him for everything he has done for Wicklow GAA.”

Burke has issued a statement on his decision: “I would like to thank the group of Wicklow players that I was extremely lucky to have worked with over the past 2 years.

“I am very proud of the group and what they have achieved in gaining promotion from division 4 and retaining division 3 status for 2022 in what were very challenging times.

“I can’t thank my management team of Mike Hassett and Gary Jameson enough for their huge effort and unwavering support over the 2 years.

“I would also like to thank our backroom team for their time, commitment and expertise they each brought to our setup.

“Finally, I would like to thank the Wicklow County Board, the Wicklow Clubs and our team sponsor Renault for their invaluable support.

“Wicklow Football is in a very strong position and I look forward to following their continued progress in the coming years.”

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The Cavan native spent three years in the job and brought Leitrim to Croke Park for the first time since 2006 in his first year.

He got the side promoted to Division Three of the National Football League in the process but his side only managed to win once in Championship football – never winning a provincial tie.

His side looked worlds apart against the reigning Connacht champions and All-Ireland finalists on Sunday.

In a statement, the county board expressed their gratitude to Terry and his backroom staff for their three years in charge of the side.

“Leitrim GAA has been informed by Senior Team Manager Terry Hyland that he has decided to step down from the role,” the statement read.

“We wish to express our eternal gratitude to Terry and his entire backroom team, for the professional, wholehearted, and energetic manner in which they have carried out their respective duties to the team and all associated with it over the past three seasons.

“In his first year in charge, Terry oversaw the Allianz League promotion to Division 3 in 2019 and a rare appearance in a Croke Park Final which gave Leitrim GAA, its players, and supporters the biggest lift since the days of 1994.

“Over what has been the most difficult sixteen months in living memory since the onset of the Covid pandemic, Terry and his management team managed to navigate our players through difficult times for all concerned, while always respecting and abiding by the various levels of restrictions that we have experienced across these unprecedented times. Progress was inevitably affected by the huge disruptions that this caused to all involved.

“Leitrim GAA is hugely appreciative and proud of its association with Terry and his professional and practical manner of dealing with both the board and its players over his three seasons in charge. We appreciate his many sacrifices on our behalf.

“Indeed his contribution to the activities of Leitrim GAA went way beyond those expected from a Senior Team Manager, particularly during the course of the pandemic. We will be always grateful for his very positive efforts with us and the wealth of experience he brought to the role of Leitrim Senior Team Manager. We wish Terry the very best of luck in the future.

“We wish to also acknowledge the excellent contributions of Jason O Reilly, Gary Donohoe, Padraig McGourty, Kevin Downes, Padraig Dolan, Damien Eames, Colin McCabe, Shane Bohan, Fergal Wynne, Alan Loftus, and Ronan O Rourke as the various members of Terry’s backroom team over the past three years, while not forgetting the unsung heroes Leo Duignan, Kevin Lee and Brian Blake.”

Hyland is the fourth managerial casualty of the year in inter-county Gaelic football, with Padriac Davis, Mike Quirke and Paddy Tally all vacating their posts previously.

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The final will be held at Croke Park on Saturday, 19th June at 5:00 pm.

It will be the only National Football League final played before the Championship begins, unless there are any changes.

The fixture will be part of the Government’s pilot testing programme and 2,400 spectators will benefit from that.

Analysis

The two sides have already earned promotions to Division Two after their impressive seasons in Division Three North and South respectively.

Derry capped off an impressive second league campaign under former Fermanagh boss Rory Gallagher with a win over Limerick.

Offaly completed the same feat with their victory over Fermanagh.

Derry will come into the game as favourites after dominating Division Three North, registering a points difference of +41 over their four games.

Their defending has looked well-instructed and orderly.

Furthermore, the pace of Ethan and Conor Doherty troubled opposition defences and will be something to keep an eye on this weekend.

Full-forward Shane McGuigan will be another threat that the Offaly defence will have to deal with.

A 2-26 (32) haul in his first four games of 2021 paints a picture of a man on a mission.

Half-forward Niall Loughlin offers a quality second option for Derry in the final third.

Derry’s blistering attack will go up against an Offaly defence that allowed 59 points across their four games.

Prone to error, the Offaly backs will have their work cut out for them if they are to contain the Derry forwards.

Their lapses in concentration against sides such as Wicklow are examples of the holes Derry can expose on Saturday evening.

Joe Maher and veteran Niall McNamee are serviceable scoring options for Faithful County.

The latter has been Offaly’s go-to off the bench and has got some important scores for the side.

However, Offaly’s chances are more reliant on their defence’s concentration.

They could find it to be a step too far against a Derry side firing on all cylinders.

Prediction: Derry by 5.

Odds

Derry 2/5

Draw 8/1

Offaly 5/2

A Twitter List by IrishScoresGAA

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The Mayo team of the 2010s is arguably the best team to never actually win an All-Ireland. Defeats in the 2012, ’13, ’16, and ’17 finals have meant the Sam Maguire has still not entered Mayo since 1951. Furthermore, they reached semi-finals in 2011, ’14, ’15, and ’19.

Yes, many of the key figures of that decade are still in or around the Mayo squad. But, they are not the young, promising, sprightly footballers they were when they first arrived on the scene. For example, Cillian O’Connor won Young Footballer of the Year for the first time in 2011. That is now almost ten years ago.

Likewise, Aidan O’Shea made his senior debut in 2009 and is entering his thirties.

2020 will be the first year that Mayo enter a Championship without Andy Moran since 2004. Furthermore, the likes of Donal Vaughan, Keith Higgins, Seamus O’Shea, Tom Parsons, and Colm Boyle have seen their game time reduce in recent seasons. In addition to this, these veterans have begun to accumulate more injuries than ever before.

Even Lee Keegan is in his thirties now. It seems like an age ago that his battles with Diarmuid Connolly were unfolding in the Croke Park arena. Recently, the marauding half-back has been deployed in the full-back line as Mayo’s key man-marker.

As a result, the time for Mayo to introduce some new blood has long past. Unfortunately, this year’s sprint-like Championship has meant Horan may have to rely on his tried and tested members. But, when Division 2 rolls around next season, Mayo can finally inject new life into their team. This is why Mayo’s relegation could turn out to be of benefit.

The Up-and-Coming

Despite Mayo’s relegation, they very nearly clung onto Division 1 status. This was largely thanks to some of the younger players James Horan put his trust in.

Against Galway, Mark Moran took the plaudits for his performance at centre-forward. Then, it was Tommy Conroy who drove the charge against Tyrone. In addition to this, Eoghan McLoughlin of Westport put in two big displays in the half-back line and Oisin Mullin’s runs from corner-back were almost unstoppable at times.

These four examples are all players who are under 22 years old. This just shows that there is a pool of talent coming through the ranks in Mayo. Furthermore, David McBrien and Paul Towey are two more U20 players that have already earned senior debuts.

Before the lockdown, Belmullet’s Ryan O’Donoghue had been the one to turn heads and did so again in just 20 minutes against Galway.

If these youngsters continue to develop in the manner they have demonstrated, they will be valuable assets to the Mayo team and could launch the return to an All-Ireland showdown.

All of this is not to say no player has broken into the side in recent years. To illustrate, Paddy Durcan has nailed down one of the half-back spots and become one of the best players in the country on his day.

Similarly, Cillian O’Connor’s brother Diarmuid brought his U-21 form straight to senior and has never looked back.

Other examples of players to come to the fore in recent years are Stephen Coen and Matthew Ruane. This duo were the midfield pairing when Mayo won the U21 All-Ireland in 2016. However, it is only now that it seems like either is on course for an extended run in the team.

On the other hand, many have failed to kick-on from initial runs in the senior teams. For young footballers, one of the hardest things to do is maintain form. Just ask any of James Carr, Conor Loftus, Fionn McDonagh, Fergal Boland, or Eoin O’Donoghue.

With that in mind, the prospect of playing Division 2 football is one that Mayo should embrace. Now, this is not to undermine Division 2 by any means. Instead, it should be taken by the Mayo contingent as a good level at which to filter players into their senior team.

The competition Mayo will face in Division 2 is not to be scoffed at. In fact, it will require seven good performances to ensure promotion. On the other hand, it can a very slippery slope in the other direction.

But, these League games will be a chance for Mayo’s youngsters to make their mark and ease the transition. In Division 1 it is much harder for youngsters to do so. For example, Mark Moran introduced himself with a man of the match performance against Galway. However, when he was given special attention from Tyrone, he was anonymous.

In conclusion, Mayo’s relegation is far from the be-all and end-all. In contrast, it could prove to be a blessing in disguise. James Horan has a nicely balanced squad at his disposal. If he uses the next six months wisely, he could have Mayo’s next generation of title challengers.

Tommy Conroy le cúl álainn @MayoGAA are back in the game @GAA_BEO #AllianzLeagues #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/yH86EqAEBp

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Mayo v Tyrone, Castlebar, 2pm Click for live score commentary

Mayo didn’t show any sign of rustiness in their return to action last Sunday. On the contrary, they produced arguably their best performance during James Horan’s second coming. From the off, they blew Galway out of the water. In the first-half, they accumulated a remarkable 2-17. Then, a further 1-6 after the break solidified their dominance.

However, with Galway missing many of their star names, it was easy for the Mayo players to find gaps in the defence. Next weekend, it will be much more attritional against Mickey Harte’s side. As a result, it will be impressive if Mayo can replicate such a scoreline.

The silver-lining for Mickey Harte in his loss to Donegal is the return of Conor McKenna. After six years in the AFL, the 24-year-old started for Tyrone. He scored 1-2 from play and added further assists.

Harte will be keen to stem the gaps Donegal were able to find in the Tyrone defence last weekend. If Mayo’s running game is on point, they can punish Tyrone just as easily. In a must-win game, Tyrone can’t afford to fall far behind.

Team News

Tyrone will be sweating over the availabilty of Rory Brennan. The referee brandished a red card after the corner-back fouled Murphy a minute from time and appeared to lay a hand on Jerome Henry.

On the other hand, Kieran McGeary’s dismissal won’t have any ramifications. He got his marching orders three minutes before Brennan after a black card on top of a yellow.

Cathal McShane won’t be available this season. But, Peter Harte could return and link up with Conor McKenna.

For Mayo, Mark Moran was the standout performer. The young Westport centre-forward made his debut for Mayo and fitted in seamlessly. A personal tally of 1-2 rounded off a dream debut. Likewise, Paddy Durcan, Oisin Mullin, and Aidan O’Shea all found themselves in the team of the week.

James Horan has very few complaints after the weekend. Therefore, we can’t expect many changes to the side that will take the field next Sunday.

Team News

Tyrone (Mayo): Niall Morgan; Liam Rafferty, Ronan McNamee, Darragh Canavan; Tiernan McCann, Kieran McGeary, Michael McKernan; Brian Kennedy, Frank Burns; Matthew Donnelly, Conor McKenna, Darren McCurry; Peter Harte, Conall McCann, Conor Meyler.

Mayo (Tyrone): David Clarke; Oisin Mullin, Stephen Coen, Lee Keegan; Patrick Durcan, Kevin McLoughlin, Eoghan McLaughlin; Matthew Ruane, Conor Loftus; Diarmuid O’Connor, Mark Moran, Bryan Walsh; Tommy Conroy, Aidan O’Shea, Cillian O’Connor.

Prediction: Mayo. They found a way to survive against Donegal in 2018 and will find a way to do so again, especially in McHale Park.

Mayo vs Tyrone: Division 1, Sunday October 25th, 2pm (Castlebar).

.@TyroneGAALive's Conor McKenna finds the top corner! pic.twitter.com/M4jAanouxI

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 18, 2020

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Padraic Joyce labelled the 15 point loss to Mayo as “Probably the most embarrassing day of my career”. After already losing Shane Walsh and the Moycullen contingent, Joyce was further hampered by losing Damien Comer and Johnny Duane early in the game.

Therefore, Galway go into the final round with a depleted squad. But, Joyce will prioritise the Championship game against Sligo rather than risk players against Dublin.

Worryingly, Mayo’s 17 first-half points at the weekend all came in or around the D. This will be cause for concern for Joyce who knows Dublin will punish them for such openness. As a result, expect to see a more condensed Galway defence this Sunday.

Meanwhile, Dublin oozed class in the game against Meath. Despite conceding 0-19, they were never really under threat. Dean Rock, Con O’Callaghan, and Dean Rock all had a day of shooting practice to hone their touch. But, Brian Fenton and Paddy Small were the only other scorers.

It will be interesting to see how Farrell approaches the Galway game. Will he deploy his big guns and go for the title? Or will he rotate his squad to look at some of his other options? Such is Dublin’s squad depth that even if he opts to rotate, there may be nothing Galway can do to stop Dublin challenging Kerry.

Team News

Padraic Joyce doesn’t have any good news ahead of this game. Comer’s hamstring injury appeared to be more than just a niggle. Likewise, Johnny Duane probably won’t feature this time around. As a result, Joyce’s options are limited and he may have to make do with what he has.

Aaron Byrne and Sean Bugler were given cameos off the bench for Dublin against Meath. Farrell could use them from the start against Galway to rest some of his key forwards. Similarly, Robbie McDaid could have another chance to impress in the half-back line.

Johnny Cooper limped off after 11 minutes last weekend. Eoin Murchan could be his replacement for the Galway game.

Prediction: Dublin. The five-in-a-row All-Ireland Champions haven’t shown any signs of slowing down in the transition between managers. Against a weakened Galway side, they should have too much firepower over the course of 70 minutes.

Dublin (Galway): Stephen Cluxton; Cian Murphy, David Byrne, Michael Fitzsimons; John Small, Jonny Cooper, Robert McDaid; Brian Fenton, Emmet O Conghaile; Eric Lowndes, Ciaran Kilkenny, Niall Scully; Paddy Small, Con O’Callaghan, Dean Rock.

Galway (Dublin): Bernard Power; Sean Kelly, Sean Mulkerrin, James Foley; Liam Silke, Gary O’Donnell, Johnny Heaney; Cein Darcy, Tom Flynn; Paul Kelly, Paul Conroy, Jason Leonard; Robert Finnerty, Adrian Varley, Ian Burke.

Galway vs Dublin: Division 1, Sunday, October 25th, 2pm (Pearse Stadium). 

Watch the Full-Time Highlights of Dublin v Meath in Round 6 of the Allianz Football League here on GAANOW!
Full-Time Score:
Dublin: 1-20
Meath: 0-19 pic.twitter.com/iqWy6EkO90

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 17, 2020

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Kerry’s efficiency in front of goal saw them cruise to victory in Monaghan. David Clifford returned to regularly scheduled shooting with 0-6. Likewise, Tony Brosnan contributed 0-3 to put his hand up for selection.

In addition, defenders Jason Foley, Gavin White and Paul Murphy all found the target to add some threat from deep. When they play Donegal, these driving runs will be needed to penetrate the ’45.

However, Donegal have plenty of attacking options in their own right. Jamie Brennan and Niall O’Donnell scored 1-4 between them from the half-forward line. In addition to this, Ryan McHugh reminded everyone why he’s among the best with 0-3 from wing-back.

If Kerry’s half-backs match up with Donegal’s half-forwards as they should on paper, this game will be free-flowing. Donegal have nothing to lose. As a result, we may see them take the game to Kerry and make the Kingdom earn the title.

Team News

Kerry travelled without Jack Barry, Paul Geaney, Stephen O’Brien and James O’Donoghue. These are four of the first fifteen who will need minutes before the Championship. Therefore, Peter Keane could introduce these familiar faces against Donegal if available.

But, the likes of Paudie Clifford, Killian Spillane, Tony Brosnan, and Dara Moynihan are offering an exciting dimension to the attack. Keane could opt to experiment with his forwards. It also remains to be seen where Tommy Walsh will be primarily deployed.

Donegal were without Patrick McBrearty, who limped out of a recent challenge game against Roscommon. Michael Langan and Odhrán McFadden-Ferry were also absent. Declan Bonner may opt against risking these players even if available next weekend. Donegal face Tyrone in the first round of the Championship. As a result, Bonner will be torn between saving such players and giving them some much needed match practice.

Kerry (Donegal): Shane Ryan; Jason Foley, Tadhg Morley, Tom O’Sullivan; Paul Murphy, Peter Crowley, Gavin White; David Moran, Diarmuid O’Connor; Micheal Burns, Sean O’Shea, Ronan Buckley; Tony Brosnan, David Clifford, Dara Moynihan.

Donegal (Kerry) Stephen Ryan, Gordon Kelly, Cillian Brennan, Eoghan Collins, Pearse Lillias, Aaron Fitzgerald, Alan Sweeney, Cathal O’Connor, Ciaran Russell, Emmet McMahon, Eoin Cleary, Jamie Malone, Kerman Sexton, Joe McGann, Cian O’Dea

Prediction: 

Kerry. The Kingdom’s firepower up front is arguably the best around. Even if Keane opts for some rotation, the new faces will be keen to show their worth. On the other hand, Donegal have no reason to take major risks so Bonner will likely disperse some game-time among the squad.

Kerry vs Donegal: Division 1, Saturday, October 24th, 2pm (Tralee). 

Watch the Full-Time Highlights of Donegal v Tyrone in Round 6 of the Allianz Football League here on GAANOW!
Full-Time Score:
Donegal: 2-17
Tyrone: 2-13 pic.twitter.com/NfYd1fi0a9

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 18, 2020

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The Farney men had a chance to distance themselves from relegation last weekend but failed to take it. They came up three points shy of Kerry after poor accuracy in front of the posts left them chasing the game.

Conor McManus was sprung from the bench for the second-half. Despite adding 0-5, Kerry kept tacking on scores at the other end.

He could feature from the start against Meath. As a result, he will draw Meath’s primary attention, allowing Monaghan’s other forwards to step up.

Meath offered a spirited showing against Dubin without ever really threatening them. Donal Keogan driving runs caused the Dubs some problems in defence. If he can repeat the trick against Monaghan it will create chances. Shane Walsh impressed in corner-forward with 0-4.

Despite their relegation being guaranteed some time ago, Meath’s performances are no reflection of their lack of points. They came within a score of Mayo, Kerry, and Galway before the lockdown. Similarly, they have reason to be hopeful after their showing against Dublin. The Monaghan game is a chance for Meath to prove they were competitive in the top Division. Expect the handbrake to be let off by Andy McEntee.

Team News

Conor McManus may see more than just a half on Sunday. Monaghan will need his precision in front of goal.

Christopher McGuinness also came off the bench against Kerry. Two points may be enough to earn him a start against Meath.

McManus came on for Conor McCarthy at the weekend. If McCarthy is allowed the chance, he will be keen to show his worth.

Meath have an extra week to prepare for their Championship opener on the 8th November. Thus, McEntee may continue to use his strongest players against Monaghan for some match fitness. Debutants Eoin Harkin and Cathal Hickey impressed at opposite ends of the pitch. They could be rewarded with another cap.

Prediction: Monaghan. Meath are no outsiders in this one. But, Monaghan have more on the line and will approach it as such. When it comes down to the wire, back Conor McManus to get them over the line and into Division 1 safety.

Meath (Monaghan): Marcus Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Conor McGill, David Toner; Cathal Hickey, Shane McEntee, Donal Keogan; Bryan Menton, Ronan Jones; Jason Scully, Bryan McMahon, Ronan Ryan; Cillian O’Sullivan, Shane Walsh, Thomas O’Reilly.

Subs: Andrew Colgan, Eoin Harkin, Gavin McCoy, Matthew Costello, Brian Conlon, Ethan Devine, Joey Wallace, Jordan Morris, James Conlon, Donal Lenihan, Darragh Campion.

Monaghan vs Meath: Division 1, Sunday, October 25th, 2pm (Clones).

GAANOW have the highlights from last weekend's #AllianzLeagues Football action. Watch the round-up here! pic.twitter.com/HlRQePTUVZ

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 20, 2020

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Clare had two points to spare against Fermanagh in a 1-11 vs 1-9 victory that condemned the Ulster side to relegation.

Joe McGann’s superb individual goal was the difference at half-time. After the break, Clare extended their lead with a spread of scorers. Jamie Malone’s 0-3 came at a crucial time. With ten minutes to go, Fermanagh couldn’t reel in the five-point deficit.

Meanwhile, Armagh’s performance against Roscommon perhaps wasn’t deserving of a four point defeat. They gave away two penalties to let Roscommon back into a game in which Armagh were totally controlling.

A further goal for the Connacht side saw Armagh heads drop.

But, there was a lot of good to take from the performance. For example, Armagh were quite efficient in from of the posts.

Kieran McGeeney will still be confident of a promotion. Furthermore, if Cavan do them a favour, they could still go up as Division 2 winners.

Team News

Both sides start their Championship on November 1. So far, neither has picked up any major injury concerns.

Clare play Tipperary who themselves are finding form at the right time. Clare could prioritise staying in Division 2 though. If they do, expect to see a full-strength team take the field against Armagh.

Similarly, getting promoted is no small deal for Armagh. Therefore, McGeeney won’t shy away from letting his big guns loose again. The O’Neill brothers were especially impressive against Roscommon and could be deployed again.

They play Derry in their Ulster Championship opener.

Armagh ( Clare): Blaine Hughes; Patrick Burns, Ryan Kennedy, James Morgan; Conor O’Neill, Callum Cumiskey, Aidan Forker; Niall Grimley, Oisin O’Neill; Rory Grugan, Stefan Campbell, Mark Shields; Jamie Clarke, Rian O’Neill, Conor Turbitt.

Clare (Armagh) Stephen Ryan, Gordon Kelly, Cillian Brennan, Eoghan Collins, Pearse Lillias, Aaron Fitzgerald, Alan Sweeney, Cathal O’Connor, Ciaran Russell, Emmet McMahon, Eoin Cleary, Jamie Malone, Kerman Sexton, Joe McGann, Cian O’Dea

Clare vs Armagh: Division 2, Saturday, October 24th, 2pm (Ennis).

GAANOW have the highlights from last weekend's #AllianzLeagues Football action. Watch the round-up here! pic.twitter.com/HlRQePTUVZ

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 20, 2020

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