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Donegal GAA thread

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Replying To Commodore:  "I disagree with you on that.

McGuinness era is referenced here so much as it was the benchmark, the most successful period in Donegal's history and its natural that we look at what was different back then in comparison to now. Yes systems change and players change, but it was not simply good luck, McGuinness created an environment for winning and we cross-reference things from that time in an effort to understand why we lack some of those qualities."
Completely correct in your statement.
For a poster to say the only reason we improved under mcguinness was because of the shame of that defeat to armagh is laughable.
Ask any of them Player's and everyone of them will tell you that mcguinness Completely changed the environment, in training, discipline and how we approach games.
For years before mcguinness took charge, we were seen as the party boys, maverick in our approach to games, and when ever we played armagh or tryone or even Derry, we were seen as a soft touch, to nice.
And bonners first spell was part of that.
People say certain posters dont give any credit to bonner, i disagree.
I for one give him credit in both spells of introducing young talent to the squad, and giving youth a chance.
My only problem with bonner, is he can bring a team so far, but sadly lacks that x factor mcguinness had to take us to the very top.
I for one would be overjoyed to see him succeed and prove the doubters wrong. But i am not confident as past examples tell me otherwise.
Nothing is going to change this year, so its time to get behind the team. I dont mind if we get relegated, it is not the end of the world.
I still think we have enough to beat armagh in championship with a few players back.
Would love to see gallon get a good run of games without injuries. Hopefully our best player in langan is back fully fit.
And hopefully a long summer with a croke park date to look forward to.

The keeper (Donegal) - Posts: 687 - 23/03/2022 19:57:22    2406763

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Replying To Commodore:  "I disagree with you on that.

McGuinness era is referenced here so much as it was the benchmark, the most successful period in Donegal's history and its natural that we look at what was different back then in comparison to now. Yes systems change and players change, but it was not simply good luck, McGuinness created an environment for winning and we cross-reference things from that time in an effort to understand why we lack some of those qualities."
This is it. For a long time after the 92 win we produced great players but all too often flattered to deceive when it really mattered. We were a nice team to watch and were capable of big performances now and then, e.g. drawn game with Dublin in 02, beating Tyrone in 03 with 14 men, Galway in 03 etc. But totally incapable of the 3 or 4 big wins in a row to seriously challenge for the All Ireland. Even Ulster titles were beyond us given the awe in which Tyrone and Armagh were held in for pretty much all of the 00's.

One of McGuinness' biggest achievements was changing that mindset. Why couldn't we dine at the top table? We had the talent so what was stopping us? Why can't we shed the nice-guy tag and mix it with the big boys? One of the answers is attitude and hard work. Now I'll say again that it's very easy for me to be typing this on my laptop. There are countless books available about leadership. It takes a certain kind of character to be able to get a group of 30 odd men to buy into that total and utter focus. This isn't a post to denigrate Bonner's efforts either. Merely a response to Tyrion's post which would appear to suggest that we should just move on from the McGuinness era and forget about it.

We have undoubted talent in our ranks. Yes we have injuries. But if everyone is available it's no harm in asking the question - how we can eke out that little extra 5% or so to really be considered challengers? That is the challenge for Bonner & Rochford and it will define their legacy in terms of managing this current crop in my opinion.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9133 - 24/03/2022 09:30:18    2406778

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Replying To rorysboys:  "I've been called a narcissist what ever that means a clown and a saddo in the one post. Not nice lad maybe you should grow up a bit.. can't wait for all all the likes you'll get. I must be hitting a nerve among the anti Bonner brigade"
You do realise that its one poster with multiple accounts who you are arguing with, watch the patterns carefully.

Last year I spotted a distinct similarity in posts that suggested one person had multiple accounts, CBar (Mayo), Banisteoir (National) and Ulsterman (Antrim) are just 3 examples of this, but I had noted a few other profiles too.

The responsible person is originally from Mayo/Connacht and possibly on the Donegal forum with at least 2 different profiles. There is also a poster from the South East on here with a couple of Donegal profiles, distinctive because of their references.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1112 - 24/03/2022 15:33:10    2406872

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Replying To gunman:  "It is well known that Jim McGuinness wasn't overly concerned about the league.All his players have said that.The first year he took over we were in division 2 and he probably did road test a few ideas that year.The next year in division 1 it took,ironically a win over Armagh on the last day to keep us up.The next year we were relegated again .The following year was 2014 and we were beaten in the div 2 final by Monaghan and Derry were in the Div 1 final that day.We beat them both on the way to the 2014 Final.
Declan Bonner's term followed a similar trajectory.In that year we only won 1 game in Div 1 and got relegated but we went on to lift the Ulster title.In 2019 we won Div 2 but on the way we lost to Tipperary and Fermanagh but again we lifted the Ulster title
I guess what I am doing by throwing in a few reminders is that league form is not always a great guide to what might follow in the championship.I don't remember what posters were saying about our league displays in the McGuinness era or a couple of years ago under Bonner but there seems to be a lot of kneejerk reaction this year.The bottom line is that both men don't put a great emphasis on the league.We can judge the players and management after the championship."
I think most of us agree that Championship is king, and while I think most Counties aren't arsed about the National League as a competition, I think most now agree that Division 1 is best for giving younger players a run out and seeing what they are made of against top notch competition.

Personally I think Division 1 needs to be bigger (More teams), as we are entering Round 7 of the league this weekend and we have teams 5/8 teams in running for relegation. But I know the fixture schedule would forbid that.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1112 - 24/03/2022 15:42:15    2406873

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "This is it. For a long time after the 92 win we produced great players but all too often flattered to deceive when it really mattered. We were a nice team to watch and were capable of big performances now and then, e.g. drawn game with Dublin in 02, beating Tyrone in 03 with 14 men, Galway in 03 etc. But totally incapable of the 3 or 4 big wins in a row to seriously challenge for the All Ireland. Even Ulster titles were beyond us given the awe in which Tyrone and Armagh were held in for pretty much all of the 00's.

One of McGuinness' biggest achievements was changing that mindset. Why couldn't we dine at the top table? We had the talent so what was stopping us? Why can't we shed the nice-guy tag and mix it with the big boys? One of the answers is attitude and hard work. Now I'll say again that it's very easy for me to be typing this on my laptop. There are countless books available about leadership. It takes a certain kind of character to be able to get a group of 30 odd men to buy into that total and utter focus. This isn't a post to denigrate Bonner's efforts either. Merely a response to Tyrion's post which would appear to suggest that we should just move on from the McGuinness era and forget about it.

We have undoubted talent in our ranks. Yes we have injuries. But if everyone is available it's no harm in asking the question - how we can eke out that little extra 5% or so to really be considered challengers? That is the challenge for Bonner & Rochford and it will define their legacy in terms of managing this current crop in my opinion."
Our failure to take the next step under Declan Bonner is due to the unsettled nature of the current side, particularly the spine of the team, which I think is finally close to being settled. We just need to figure out our best No 6 now and who joins Caolan McGonigle in midfield.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1112 - 24/03/2022 15:49:04    2406876

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In the championship against Armagh I think we have to play big Hugh at 6 if fully fit. He's strong and good in the air which is vital against a team like Armagh. Nice to see Ryan Mc Hugh back in the groove last Sunday. Fantastic footballer who's probably too versatile for his own good. If fit I would play him in sitting behind the middle against Armagh in the championship. With a licence to attack at every opportunity. As an old man used to say to me when you see the grass getting cut then you know it's time for the serious stuff. Anyway good luck to the lads on Sunday hopefully they'll turn in a performance. . As the slogan says nothing beats being there. Dun na Ngall Abu.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2401 - 24/03/2022 16:26:14    2406896

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Replying To Commodore:  "You do realise that its one poster with multiple accounts who you are arguing with, watch the patterns carefully.

Last year I spotted a distinct similarity in posts that suggested one person had multiple accounts, CBar (Mayo), Banisteoir (National) and Ulsterman (Antrim) are just 3 examples of this, but I had noted a few other profiles too.

The responsible person is originally from Mayo/Connacht and possibly on the Donegal forum with at least 2 different profiles. There is also a poster from the South East on here with a couple of Donegal profiles, distinctive because of their references."
Jesus, just when I thought things couldn't get any worse in this sub, we have Sherlock Holmes confidently talking muck. Was there a lad from the north east of Glenfin too that has a few different accounts?

MurphBalls (Donegal) - Posts: 178 - 24/03/2022 16:30:52    2406899

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Replying To Commodore:  "Our failure to take the next step under Declan Bonner is due to the unsettled nature of the current side, particularly the spine of the team, which I think is finally close to being settled. We just need to figure out our best No 6 now and who joins Caolan McGonigle in midfield."
Hopefully yeah. Those of a superstitious nature can take comfort in the fact that we often do quite well in the second year of decades past.

1972 - First Ulster title
1982 - First All Ireland u21 title
1992 - First All Ireland senior
2002 - Ulster finalists and AI quarter finalists, drawn Dublin game
2012 - Second All Ireland senior
2022 - ?

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9133 - 24/03/2022 16:32:51    2406902

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Replying To MurphBalls:  "Jesus, just when I thought things couldn't get any worse in this sub, we have Sherlock Holmes confidently talking muck. Was there a lad from the north east of Glenfin too that has a few different accounts?"
I though you left the sub as you say. I knew you wudnt be away long. Didn't think it would be less than 24 hours.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2401 - 24/03/2022 16:43:22    2406905

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Hopefully yeah. Those of a superstitious nature can take comfort in the fact that we often do quite well in the second year of decades past.

1972 - First Ulster title
1982 - First All Ireland u21 title
1992 - First All Ireland senior
2002 - Ulster finalists and AI quarter finalists, drawn Dublin game
2012 - Second All Ireland senior
2022 - ?"
It's 50 years this year since our first Ulster. Think Westmeath are the only first time winners of a provincial championship since. It kind of shows how much of a late comer Donegal was to Gaelic football.

With a bit of a nod to 1972 they could to based this jersey on the 1972 jersey.

You can kind of add 1932 as well. It's the last time Donegal won the Ulster hurling championship!

Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 692 - 24/03/2022 17:39:31    2406917

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Hopefully yeah. Those of a superstitious nature can take comfort in the fact that we often do quite well in the second year of decades past.

1972 - First Ulster title
1982 - First All Ireland u21 title
1992 - First All Ireland senior
2002 - Ulster finalists and AI quarter finalists, drawn Dublin game
2012 - Second All Ireland senior
2022 - ?"
I think if injuries clear up and the existing squad doesn't pick up further injuries and continue to build fitness, then I think Donegal can win Ulster and the All Ireland title. It will depend on us getting traction in Ulster and building momentum and hopefully getting to the next level.

Some will think me crazy for saying that after a poor league campaign and with current bookie odds having us at 20-1 for Sam, but I think we should note that none of the other contenders are that hot either really. People might point to impressive Kerry, Mayo and Armagh in the league, but you also have to remember that both have been playing with almost full strength squads for the full league campaign, while other teams including Dublin, Tyrone, Monaghan and Donegal have been severely weakened and struggling to get it together.

Galway will be a dangerous proposition, I think they could scalp any of the top teams and have a serious go at Connacht and All Ireland too, despite coming from Division 2 this year.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1112 - 24/03/2022 18:39:24    2406927

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Replying To rorysboys:  "In the championship against Armagh I think we have to play big Hugh at 6 if fully fit. He's strong and good in the air which is vital against a team like Armagh. Nice to see Ryan Mc Hugh back in the groove last Sunday. Fantastic footballer who's probably too versatile for his own good. If fit I would play him in sitting behind the middle against Armagh in the championship. With a licence to attack at every opportunity. As an old man used to say to me when you see the grass getting cut then you know it's time for the serious stuff. Anyway good luck to the lads on Sunday hopefully they'll turn in a performance. . As the slogan says nothing beats being there. Dun na Ngall Abu."
I disagree about Ryan McHugh being back in the groove last Sunday, Dublin didn't track him at times due to them dropping sweepers back intermittently, and we know if he is not marked that he can cause massive problems.
However If Ryan is man marked by somebody of similar pace and superior physicality, he doesn't have any real impact on those games at all while playing deep, while his opposite number in some big games in recent years usually did.

I think he is definitely good enough, but he needs to play as a wing forward to have any real influence. He lacks the physical presence needed for a wing back both defensively and also when attacking, because he is too easy to foul/block to concede frees in non-dangerous positions. Play him at wing forward and let the opposition foul him all day long, reap the rewards.

I think its interesting idea to play Hugh McFadden at No 6, he definitely has the raw power and presence, my only concern would be his pace and tackling ability, but if worked on, it could become his home.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1112 - 24/03/2022 18:54:01    2406929

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Replying To The keeper:  "Completely correct in your statement.
For a poster to say the only reason we improved under mcguinness was because of the shame of that defeat to armagh is laughable.
Ask any of them Player's and everyone of them will tell you that mcguinness Completely changed the environment, in training, discipline and how we approach games.
For years before mcguinness took charge, we were seen as the party boys, maverick in our approach to games, and when ever we played armagh or tryone or even Derry, we were seen as a soft touch, to nice.
And bonners first spell was part of that.
People say certain posters dont give any credit to bonner, i disagree.
I for one give him credit in both spells of introducing young talent to the squad, and giving youth a chance.
My only problem with bonner, is he can bring a team so far, but sadly lacks that x factor mcguinness had to take us to the very top.
I for one would be overjoyed to see him succeed and prove the doubters wrong. But i am not confident as past examples tell me otherwise.
Nothing is going to change this year, so its time to get behind the team. I dont mind if we get relegated, it is not the end of the world.
I still think we have enough to beat armagh in championship with a few players back.
Would love to see gallon get a good run of games without injuries. Hopefully our best player in langan is back fully fit.
And hopefully a long summer with a croke park date to look forward to."
Yeah I agree about Oisin Gallen, he is a fantastic player, his pace and height combined with his ability make him a stand out player, but he just has had such a bad run of it in recent years. I think having both him and Jamie brennan in the squad is massive boost, both are quality, but Oisin is better with those high balls in.

Caolan McGonigle has been possibly the most understated player last season, he is unfortunately still out injured, but last year he was really starting to show potential as our main midfielder.

Michael Langan is a hugh loss too, I consider him to be one of our best players if not the best. Its also a pity that Odhran MacNiallais didn't stay with the panel.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1112 - 24/03/2022 18:59:53    2406930

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"As an old man used to say to me when you see the grass getting cut then you know it's time for the serious stuff"
Unfortunately under your declansboy's pal Bonner when the serious stuff starts it's the time his team usually packs up and goes home. Hope that changes this year.
A point was made about these fans that go to every match blah blah,
a few things on that, not everyone has the money or the health to travel to all these matches, also there's fellas that go to county games that know no more about football than my dog does about his father,
I know lifelong GAA men who wouldn't go near a county game because of the way we play these days, the club scene is no better but there are certain teams that stick at it and the games are competitive at least if not the greatest standard of football.
Going to be a full house on Sunday hopefully we get the win and no injuries.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 2747 - 24/03/2022 21:17:46    2406941

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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32:  "It's 50 years this year since our first Ulster. Think Westmeath are the only first time winners of a provincial championship since. It kind of shows how much of a late comer Donegal was to Gaelic football.

With a bit of a nod to 1972 they could to based this jersey on the 1972 jersey.

You can kind of add 1932 as well. It's the last time Donegal won the Ulster hurling championship!"
My father always used to say that we ran into two of the best teams in Ireland in the 60s and that delayed our first Ulster for a long time. We were only beaten by either Down or Cavan in the 60s if my memory serves me, and I'm nearly sure that the three of us were the only counties to contest an Ulster senior final as well in that decade - though I may be wrong on that.

For a sports mad county it is strange that it took us so long to break through nationally

JoeSoap (Donegal) - Posts: 1432 - 25/03/2022 10:16:16    2406968

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Replying To Tirchonaill1:  ""As an old man used to say to me when you see the grass getting cut then you know it's time for the serious stuff"
Unfortunately under your declansboy's pal Bonner when the serious stuff starts it's the time his team usually packs up and goes home. Hope that changes this year.
A point was made about these fans that go to every match blah blah,
a few things on that, not everyone has the money or the health to travel to all these matches, also there's fellas that go to county games that know no more about football than my dog does about his father,
I know lifelong GAA men who wouldn't go near a county game because of the way we play these days, the club scene is no better but there are certain teams that stick at it and the games are competitive at least if not the greatest standard of football.
Going to be a full house on Sunday hopefully we get the win and no injuries."
Yeah when you start adding it all up it doens't be long becoming an expensive day out going to county matches. When I was young, free and single I rarely missed any matches. But now with the wife and two kids it's a different story.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9133 - 25/03/2022 10:25:15    2406972

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Replying To Commodore:  "I disagree about Ryan McHugh being back in the groove last Sunday, Dublin didn't track him at times due to them dropping sweepers back intermittently, and we know if he is not marked that he can cause massive problems.
However If Ryan is man marked by somebody of similar pace and superior physicality, he doesn't have any real impact on those games at all while playing deep, while his opposite number in some big games in recent years usually did.

I think he is definitely good enough, but he needs to play as a wing forward to have any real influence. He lacks the physical presence needed for a wing back both defensively and also when attacking, because he is too easy to foul/block to concede frees in non-dangerous positions. Play him at wing forward and let the opposition foul him all day long, reap the rewards.

I think its interesting idea to play Hugh McFadden at No 6, he definitely has the raw power and presence, my only concern would be his pace and tackling ability, but if worked on, it could become his home."
People are very hard on Ryan. I thought he was good on Sunday . You say he wasn't tracked I don't agree . Ryan is always targeted. You say play him wing forward but sure your going to be up a dangerous attacking wing back then. I feel he needs to have a sort of a roaming role. People will say now I'm disagreeing because you have an opinion. I'm not your a very fair poster. But it's just my opinion.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2401 - 25/03/2022 10:49:59    2406980

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Replying To Tirchonaill1:  ""As an old man used to say to me when you see the grass getting cut then you know it's time for the serious stuff"
Unfortunately under your declansboy's pal Bonner when the serious stuff starts it's the time his team usually packs up and goes home. Hope that changes this year.
A point was made about these fans that go to every match blah blah,
a few things on that, not everyone has the money or the health to travel to all these matches, also there's fellas that go to county games that know no more about football than my dog does about his father,
I know lifelong GAA men who wouldn't go near a county game because of the way we play these days, the club scene is no better but there are certain teams that stick at it and the games are competitive at least if not the greatest standard of football.
Going to be a full house on Sunday hopefully we get the win and no injuries."
Blah blah same old same old. You just can't post without having a dig at Bonner. Believe me your on abut the cost and other things. I can't really afford but I gave up other things to afford it. Excuse after excuse yous have plenty to say about it then. Today should be about being positive and hoping that the lads pull it off on Sunday. People don't like the way we play ah poor you . You obviously don't want club football in Donegal well… did you like the way we played against Dublin in 2011

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2401 - 25/03/2022 10:59:25    2406984

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Replying To rorysboys:  "People are very hard on Ryan. I thought he was good on Sunday . You say he wasn't tracked I don't agree . Ryan is always targeted. You say play him wing forward but sure your going to be up a dangerous attacking wing back then. I feel he needs to have a sort of a roaming role. People will say now I'm disagreeing because you have an opinion. I'm not your a very fair poster. But it's just my opinion."
I agree there are huge expectations with him, he gets a rotten time from opposition a lot no doubt. But I did think he was in a poor run of form for the last while. I thought he was much better against Dublin though from where I was sitting I couldn't figure out who the Dubs had on him. Hopefully he keeps improving and gets back to what we know he can do

JoeSoap (Donegal) - Posts: 1432 - 25/03/2022 11:51:15    2407006

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@rory, Took wee time out just to watch from afar to see how ur boy Bonner would make out. Donegal played one decent half in the last 3 or4 games, way below expectation for the talent at his disposal. Murphy still carrying the load despite posters putting other players above him in the( whose Donegals best player category). Rory, diehard Bonner fan that u are, u are counting down! Wii that championship game with Armagh see him gone. Very tired of his rhetoric and excuses after games. By the way seeing u never miss a game, maybe u could send ur private jet stateside and and give us a spin!

thelowball (USA) - Posts: 400 - 25/03/2022 12:53:43    2407020

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