Bergin's absence casts shadow over Galway win

Earlier in the season I said that the loss of midfielder Joe Bergin could have a massive impact on Galway's chances in this season's All Ireland.
I am more convinced of that today after Galway's defeat of Roscommon.
While the Tribesman totally outplayed an inept Roscommon in the second half and tagged on an impressive score to run out winners by 16 points they struggled in the first half after Roscommon pulled Karol Mannion back to the middle and he provided a platform for the Rossies to fight back in the run-up to half time.
However, when Roscommon had a player set off early in the second half Galway used the space well and simply punched holes in the opposition defence.
Padraig Joyce's passing and movement in the second half was a treat to watch but at times Galway seemed to be playing almost a training game and they were not stretched other than in the second quarter of the game.
However, I feel that Bergin's absence will cost them dearly if they come up against the Kerry midfield or Derry's Fergal Doherty.
Roscommon have a mountain to climb to get off the floor after this one, I think the best they can hope for is to give some of their promising young players a run out in the qualifiers, they are as bad as they have been for long many a day.
We didn't learn too much about the Tribesmen, they are great to watch and it's how I like to see football played but I can't help but feeling that they will come up well short in a tough game which is a pity.
Padraig Joyce is one of the best footballers of the last 25 years but I think his move to centre half forward is a sign of weakness in the Tribesmen's game plan.
Ageing footballers are usually moved forward or further back late in their career, it's not usual to bring them out to positions where more not less movement is required and good a footballer as Padraig Joyce is I believe he will struggle against top centre backs as the season progresses.
The Tribesmen move on to face Leitrim but Liam Sammon will be hoping that Bergin may be around to play some part in the season cos when Sam's handed out there are no prizes for the nicest team to watch.

Bergin out for four months

I just think that the odds have tipped against Galway lifting any major trophies this season with the news that Joe Bergin will be out for the next four months as he requires surgery on the Achilles he damaged against Mayo at the weekend.
I hate to see good players ruled out of the championship, that’s the time of the year when you most want to see the top players at their peak.
The championship had been robbed in recent seasons of several of Tyrone’s top players, which transformed a great team into a fairly average side.
Galway have been showing some signs of a revival this season but mid field is a key area and Bergin will be a huge loss to the Tribesmen.
You can talk all you like about strength in depth but when you take a few key men out of most teams in the country they are rarely blessed with players who can bring almost as much to the game as the guy on the treatment table.

Bergin loss a big blow

The loss of midfielder Joe Bergin for at least what could be a National League football final in two weeks time and even the start of the Connacht championship is a huge blow to Galway.
Bergin has been in great form this season for the Tribesmen and has been one of the main reasons why the Galway men have been able to play a great brand of free-flowing football as he has won a lot of ball in the middle and has been at his best when driving forward at pace and with power.
Hope the big man makes it back early in the championship as a Galway team in full flow can light up the season even if they come up short.
The good news is that if he does miss a game it will be the first round match against Roscommon who wouldn't beat the Galway camogs on current form.