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Again just ignoring the Armagh Ulster finals, why? Do you not think those were big games and he played well in them? And they're very recent examples of how he can perform against the bigger teams. You're not even acknowledging that how we attack as a team does not rely on people beating their man one-on-one, can you address any of that?
There's no doubt I wish he would contribute more scores up the pitch, it's been a criticism of him practically since that first year he burst on the scene. And obviously he's had bad days and disappointing days when we've needed him to stand up, but I think a lot of our big names have done that especially the years in between Jim's two stints, and just find it strange you are singling him out for this. You could take your same point and apply it to quite a lot of players in the squad in my view, not everyone is Michael Murphy or Paddy McBrearty (both of whom have also gone missing or let us down on a big day on occasion).
Now if you're saying you believe we need to change how we play generally to win Sam and Ryan doesn't fit in that style, that's a different argument, and I would say that Shane O'Donnell wouldn't fit that style either for example if you're talking about a running, one-on-one type game.
I'm a ST holder and the whole reason I mentioned him in the initial post was because of how impressed I've been with him so far this year. Can hardly say that sitting at home. He was excellent when we turned things around against Galway, and excellent at the Athletic Grounds as well I thought. Both dirty days with a lot of pressure put on from Armagh and Galway. Moore and Roarty are different players with totally different roles. The reason I mentioned Mogan and EBG is because they are leaders in the back line like Ryan. Roarty and Moore for all their talent are just young cubs still.
I just think you're underestimating how important he is to the whole way we set up, both attacking and defending, and it's not as easily replaced as you're making it out to be in my view. Call that sentimental if you like, though you mention people being sensitive about club men and obviously I'm nowhere near Kilcar, so not sure what reason you'll have for me being sentimental. Is it so hard to believe I just think Ryan is one of our most important players and laying out the reasons I think that?
You say he's good if you give him time and space, but not when he's under pressure or tagged, well I'll give you a scenario - the game is drawn at 67 minutes and we get a short kickout away to Brendan McCole over on the left hand side near the 21, but there is a significant high press on from Kerry or Galway or whoever. Who do you want to come to McCole and demand that ball, under pressure, in that situation? Who would you trust to find the pass to get us away when the game is in the melting pot? Ryan would be one of the first names on my list when the squeeze is on to get the ball and reliably get us up the pitch. And he doesn't need to burn someone with pace to do that, that's my point.
CCFabu (Donegal) - Posts: 307 - 05/03/2026 18:02:27
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Replying To CCFabu: "Again just ignoring the Armagh Ulster finals, why? Do you not think those were big games and he played well in them? And they're very recent examples of how he can perform against the bigger teams. You're not even acknowledging that how we attack as a team does not rely on people beating their man one-on-one, can you address any of that?
There's no doubt I wish he would contribute more scores up the pitch, it's been a criticism of him practically since that first year he burst on the scene. And obviously he's had bad days and disappointing days when we've needed him to stand up, but I think a lot of our big names have done that especially the years in between Jim's two stints, and just find it strange you are singling him out for this. You could take your same point and apply it to quite a lot of players in the squad in my view, not everyone is Michael Murphy or Paddy McBrearty (both of whom have also gone missing or let us down on a big day on occasion).
Now if you're saying you believe we need to change how we play generally to win Sam and Ryan doesn't fit in that style, that's a different argument, and I would say that Shane O'Donnell wouldn't fit that style either for example if you're talking about a running, one-on-one type game.
I'm a ST holder and the whole reason I mentioned him in the initial post was because of how impressed I've been with him so far this year. Can hardly say that sitting at home. He was excellent when we turned things around against Galway, and excellent at the Athletic Grounds as well I thought. Both dirty days with a lot of pressure put on from Armagh and Galway. Moore and Roarty are different players with totally different roles. The reason I mentioned Mogan and EBG is because they are leaders in the back line like Ryan. Roarty and Moore for all their talent are just young cubs still.
I just think you're underestimating how important he is to the whole way we set up, both attacking and defending, and it's not as easily replaced as you're making it out to be in my view. Call that sentimental if you like, though you mention people being sensitive about club men and obviously I'm nowhere near Kilcar, so not sure what reason you'll have for me being sentimental. Is it so hard to believe I just think Ryan is one of our most important players and laying out the reasons I think that?
You say he's good if you give him time and space, but not when he's under pressure or tagged, well I'll give you a scenario - the game is drawn at 67 minutes and we get a short kickout away to Brendan McCole over on the left hand side near the 21, but there is a significant high press on from Kerry or Galway or whoever. Who do you want to come to McCole and demand that ball, under pressure, in that situation? Who would you trust to find the pass to get us away when the game is in the melting pot? Ryan would be one of the first names on my list when the squeeze is on to get the ball and reliably get us up the pitch. And he doesn't need to burn someone with pace to do that, that's my point." Your hypothetical is one that might not happen every game and I'd argue most players in Jim's system would be able to do it. Would also argue that Shane O'Donnell definitely can fill the role Ryan had for the majority of his career as one of the primary ball carriers.
I think he's still a nailed on starter but he does get subbed a lot. Put it this way, I don't think he would be the deciding factor in us winning Sam or not this year.
eddieSize5Balls (Donegal) - Posts: 310 - 06/03/2026 05:36:15
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Replying To CCFabu: "Again just ignoring the Armagh Ulster finals, why? Do you not think those were big games and he played well in them? And they're very recent examples of how he can perform against the bigger teams. You're not even acknowledging that how we attack as a team does not rely on people beating their man one-on-one, can you address any of that?
There's no doubt I wish he would contribute more scores up the pitch, it's been a criticism of him practically since that first year he burst on the scene. And obviously he's had bad days and disappointing days when we've needed him to stand up, but I think a lot of our big names have done that especially the years in between Jim's two stints, and just find it strange you are singling him out for this. You could take your same point and apply it to quite a lot of players in the squad in my view, not everyone is Michael Murphy or Paddy McBrearty (both of whom have also gone missing or let us down on a big day on occasion).
Now if you're saying you believe we need to change how we play generally to win Sam and Ryan doesn't fit in that style, that's a different argument, and I would say that Shane O'Donnell wouldn't fit that style either for example if you're talking about a running, one-on-one type game.
I'm a ST holder and the whole reason I mentioned him in the initial post was because of how impressed I've been with him so far this year. Can hardly say that sitting at home. He was excellent when we turned things around against Galway, and excellent at the Athletic Grounds as well I thought. Both dirty days with a lot of pressure put on from Armagh and Galway. Moore and Roarty are different players with totally different roles. The reason I mentioned Mogan and EBG is because they are leaders in the back line like Ryan. Roarty and Moore for all their talent are just young cubs still.
I just think you're underestimating how important he is to the whole way we set up, both attacking and defending, and it's not as easily replaced as you're making it out to be in my view. Call that sentimental if you like, though you mention people being sensitive about club men and obviously I'm nowhere near Kilcar, so not sure what reason you'll have for me being sentimental. Is it so hard to believe I just think Ryan is one of our most important players and laying out the reasons I think that?
You say he's good if you give him time and space, but not when he's under pressure or tagged, well I'll give you a scenario - the game is drawn at 67 minutes and we get a short kickout away to Brendan McCole over on the left hand side near the 21, but there is a significant high press on from Kerry or Galway or whoever. Who do you want to come to McCole and demand that ball, under pressure, in that situation? Who would you trust to find the pass to get us away when the game is in the melting pot? Ryan would be one of the first names on my list when the squeeze is on to get the ball and reliably get us up the pitch. And he doesn't need to burn someone with pace to do that, that's my point." Again just ignoring the Armagh Ulster finals, why? Do you not think those were big games and he played well in them? And they're very recent examples of how he can perform against the bigger teams.
I'm not ignoring that, he may have performed relatively well in one or two games against Armagh, but that is more the exception these days, rather than the rule.
You're not even acknowledging that how we attack as a team does not rely on people beating their man one-on-one, can you address any of that?
It's no longer 2012, tactics have moved on and the 2025 & 2026 and regardless of system, there is a need at certain points in games to be able to win one on one battles. At least you're acknowledging that he can't win those battles against the top sides anymore, but worryingly you are seeking for excuses as to why that is ok.
There's no doubt I wish he would contribute more scores up the pitch obviously he's had bad days and disappointing days when we've needed him to stand up, but I think a lot of our big names have done that especially the years in between Jim's two stints, and just find it strange you are singling him out for this.
It's not about scoring, its not me singling him out for any personal reason, its purely about looking at weakness in our current team. I'm not saying drop him, I'm saying that we need to change how he is used, as he still has a lot of offer Donegal and bringing him on for the last 15 minutes of an All Ireland final could stead the ship.
You could take your same point and apply it to quite a lot of players in the squad in my view, not everyone is Michael Murphy or Paddy McBrearty (both of whom have also gone missing or let us down on a big day on occasion).
True, but almost every other of those players in the starting lineup have also had a number of games against top sides where they put in excellent performances. Armagh games are different from other top sides, as we play them so often, like 4 times in 2024, 2 times in 2025 and again in 2026.
Now if you're saying you believe we need to change how we play generally to win Sam and Ryan doesn't fit in that style, that's a different argument, and I would say that Shane O'Donnell wouldn't fit that style either for example if you're talking about a running, one-on-one type game. CCFabu (Donegal) - Posts: 307 - 05/03/2026 18:02:27 2660
I do think we need Ryan McHugh this season, especially if we are to have any hope to win the All Ireland, but I think we need to use him differently, because if he starts games against Kerry or Galway, he will have limited impact. Our system is most effective if our attacking players can break lines and take on their man, as most sides are deploying a high press tactic now, and beating your opposite number and running to attack causes mayhem to a high press.
Springing Ryan from the bench to stead things, when opposition are tired, it gives him a better chance to run riot like the old days.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1652 - 06/03/2026 09:30:26
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I agree completely with CCFabu, Ryan McHugh is a class act, and he offers so much to the team. Yes, a lot of the names mentioned in the half back line are great players, but Ryan offers something else, a game intelligence. When under the cosh, the man you want carrying the ball out of defence, or running to receive the short drilled kick out to the edge of the arc is Ryan.
Ciaran Moore is one of the names mentioned as being ahead of Ryan. He is a great player, and has that raw speed thats hard for opposition to defend. He also has height which makes him an option at kick outs. However, if you look at a lot of scores we concede, teams isolate Ciaran on the edge of the arc and go past him. I don't think his defensive work is good enough, and it seems his defensive footwork seems to be his major flaw.
SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 898 - 06/03/2026 10:27:03
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Answering Part II of your War and Peace message.
I'm a ST holder and the whole reason I mentioned him in the initial post was because of how impressed I've been with him so far this year. Can hardly say that sitting at home. He was excellent when we turned things around against Galway, and excellent at the Athletic Grounds as well I thought. Both dirty days with a lot of pressure put on from Armagh and Galway. Moore and Roarty are different players with totally different roles. The reason I mentioned Mogan and EBG is because they are leaders in the back line like Ryan. Roarty and Moore for all their talent are just young cubs still.
I'm also a long-term Donegal Season ticket holder, and the intelligence argument simply isn't enough, evidence against top sides like Kerry or Galway backs this opinion up, whom we haven't beaten in Championship in recent seasons
I just think you're underestimating how important he is to the whole way we set up, both attacking and defending, and it's not as easily replaced as you're making it out to be in my view. Call that sentimental if you like, though you mention people being sensitive about club men and obviously I'm nowhere near Kilcar, so not sure what reason you'll have for me being sentimental. Is it so hard to believe I just think Ryan is one of our most important players and laying out the reasons I think that?
Its more how passionate you're are, like I made a simple comments based on my opinion on how Donegal could be improving things to maybe win the All Ireland this time, and you're response has been colossal, I have needed two messages to respond to your onw.
You say he's good if you give him time and space, but not when he's under pressure or tagged, well I'll give you a scenario - the game is drawn at 67 minutes and we get a short kickout away to Brendan McCole over on the left hand side near the 21, but there is a significant high press on from Kerry or Galway or whoever. Who do you want to come to McCole and demand that ball, under pressure, in that situation? Who would you trust to find the pass to get us away when the game is in the melting pot? Ryan would be one of the first names on my list when the squeeze is on to get the ball and reliably get us up the pitch. And he doesn't need to burn someone with pace to do that, that's my point.
I fully agree, in the last 10 minutes of a game when its in the melting pot, I also would want Ryan McHugh on the ball, he is safe hands, he is intelligent and can be trusted to make the smart decisions. You seem to keep missing my key point, which is to use Ryan McHugh more as a sub, as coming on those last 10 minutes, he will likely be against somebody who is tired and fatigued, he will get more space, he will be more effective. I don't think starting him is a smart move, as younger opposition players have the fitness, stamina and energy levels to outrun him and negate whatever benefit his intelligence brings.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1652 - 06/03/2026 12:02:14
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Replying To SouthOfTheGap: "I agree completely with CCFabu, Ryan McHugh is a class act, and he offers so much to the team. Yes, a lot of the names mentioned in the half back line are great players, but Ryan offers something else, a game intelligence. When under the cosh, the man you want carrying the ball out of defence, or running to receive the short drilled kick out to the edge of the arc is Ryan.
Ciaran Moore is one of the names mentioned as being ahead of Ryan. He is a great player, and has that raw speed thats hard for opposition to defend. He also has height which makes him an option at kick outs. However, if you look at a lot of scores we concede, teams isolate Ciaran on the edge of the arc and go past him. I don't think his defensive work is good enough, and it seems his defensive footwork seems to be his major flaw." Yes, he offers game intelligence, but again, the top sides can negate his influence from throw-in, because they have quality intelligent players who can match him and exceed his pace and physicality and basically curtail his influence to the point where he goes missing.
If we bring him off the bench against players who have spent 60 minutes running hard, things will not be as tight, he will get more space and will be fresher than many of those players. I'm not saying drop him, but be less predictable and use him as a sub more.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1652 - 06/03/2026 12:07:09
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Replying To Commodore: "Yes, he offers game intelligence, but again, the top sides can negate his influence from throw-in, because they have quality intelligent players who can match him and exceed his pace and physicality and basically curtail his influence to the point where he goes missing.
If we bring him off the bench against players who have spent 60 minutes running hard, things will not be as tight, he will get more space and will be fresher than many of those players. I'm not saying drop him, but be less predictable and use him as a sub more." It was quite clear Kerry targeted him from both throw ins last year. First half down the left and second half through the middle.
peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1487 - 06/03/2026 12:25:20
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Replying To Commodore: "Answering Part II of your War and Peace message.
I'm a ST holder and the whole reason I mentioned him in the initial post was because of how impressed I've been with him so far this year. Can hardly say that sitting at home. He was excellent when we turned things around against Galway, and excellent at the Athletic Grounds as well I thought. Both dirty days with a lot of pressure put on from Armagh and Galway. Moore and Roarty are different players with totally different roles. The reason I mentioned Mogan and EBG is because they are leaders in the back line like Ryan. Roarty and Moore for all their talent are just young cubs still.
I'm also a long-term Donegal Season ticket holder, and the intelligence argument simply isn't enough, evidence against top sides like Kerry or Galway backs this opinion up, whom we haven't beaten in Championship in recent seasons
I just think you're underestimating how important he is to the whole way we set up, both attacking and defending, and it's not as easily replaced as you're making it out to be in my view. Call that sentimental if you like, though you mention people being sensitive about club men and obviously I'm nowhere near Kilcar, so not sure what reason you'll have for me being sentimental. Is it so hard to believe I just think Ryan is one of our most important players and laying out the reasons I think that?
Its more how passionate you're are, like I made a simple comments based on my opinion on how Donegal could be improving things to maybe win the All Ireland this time, and you're response has been colossal, I have needed two messages to respond to your onw.
You say he's good if you give him time and space, but not when he's under pressure or tagged, well I'll give you a scenario - the game is drawn at 67 minutes and we get a short kickout away to Brendan McCole over on the left hand side near the 21, but there is a significant high press on from Kerry or Galway or whoever. Who do you want to come to McCole and demand that ball, under pressure, in that situation? Who would you trust to find the pass to get us away when the game is in the melting pot? Ryan would be one of the first names on my list when the squeeze is on to get the ball and reliably get us up the pitch. And he doesn't need to burn someone with pace to do that, that's my point.
I fully agree, in the last 10 minutes of a game when its in the melting pot, I also would want Ryan McHugh on the ball, he is safe hands, he is intelligent and can be trusted to make the smart decisions. You seem to keep missing my key point, which is to use Ryan McHugh more as a sub, as coming on those last 10 minutes, he will likely be against somebody who is tired and fatigued, he will get more space, he will be more effective. I don't think starting him is a smart move, as younger opposition players have the fitness, stamina and energy levels to outrun him and negate whatever benefit his intelligence brings." Ryan isnt that old wassnt main readon only readon kerry best ye last year
Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 1220 - 06/03/2026 12:35:55
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And isnt that old yet
Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 1220 - 06/03/2026 12:39:20
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Ryan isnt that old wassnt main readon only readon kerry best ye last year
Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 1220 - 06/03/2026 12:35:55 2660286
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Don't give up the aul finger painting Albert
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1652 - 06/03/2026 13:26:26
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Replying To peiledoir20: "It was quite clear Kerry targeted him from both throw ins last year. First half down the left and second half through the middle." Yes, effectively targeted him, thus what I raised.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1652 - 06/03/2026 13:27:33
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Replying To Commodore: "Yes, effectively targeted him, thus what I raised." Why do you think he was targeted?.It was because he is our best player and we are a much lesser team if he is curtailed.He was targeted to the extent that he got a very serious knock and had to go off.If he was negated a bit who were the players that stood up?
gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1235 - 06/03/2026 15:13:25
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