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Donegal GAA thread

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Replying To panamasam:  "I don't think talk of getting to a league final is getting carried away with those remaining fixtures. The challenges will be welcome especially if there are big rotations. Looking forward to seeing what the more inexperienced lads do and where it takes us. However I would agree in not getting too carried away in the scheme of overall things at this time of the year."
The rest of the league will be driven by managing minutes and any niggles players might pick up. If we get to a league final on the back of that great, not the end of the world if we don't either. Getting to the Ulster final and a home draw in the first round of the knock outs has to be priority.

peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1448 - 19/02/2026 10:00:01    2657269

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Replying To Commodore:  "Just reading that Development work on Kerry's 2nd ground Austin Stack park in Tralee is due to be completed by May, new terrace will increase the capacity by 2500, bringing the total capacity up to 14,000 at a cost of €2 million. Kerry GAA have a group of ~150 business owners who pay an Annual Subscription solely for development of Ground infrastructure, so no relying on external funding.

Maybe that is something Donegal GAA should now look at,"
Fair enough but you also have to ask yourself what's best to spend money on. The O'Donnell park stand is excellent for what it is. The rest of the ground isn't great but it's literally only full once a year and probably twice this year so what is the point investing in a terrace for that. They would be better investing in floodlights or maybe with weather getting so wet during the winter an all weather pitch somewhere.

Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 974 - 19/02/2026 22:32:37    2657382

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What a debut for McCahill the other day. I love his style- so direct. Every time he was wanting to make runs directly towards the goal. Unlike so many of our forwards who have been trained to constantly make these looping runs out and around. He was instrumental in the goal - picked up the ball running away from goal and then turned towards goal to put Mogan in behind. That's real killer instinct and great to see.

This next game against armagh could be an opportunity for another debut or two . could be interesting to see the likes of Ultan Doherty or Paul O'Hare picking up Cian McConville who is looking very dangerous. Would be a good test for one of those young lads to test their mettle in a big battle. Armagh will be desperate for the win

High_and_wide (Donegal) - Posts: 101 - 19/02/2026 22:56:56    2657387

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Replying To peiledoir20:  "The rest of the league will be driven by managing minutes and any niggles players might pick up. If we get to a league final on the back of that great, not the end of the world if we don't either. Getting to the Ulster final and a home draw in the first round of the knock outs has to be priority."
Ulster gonna be the toughest in years I think. Feel like Derry will finally click and do something. I wouldn't think we would be beating them as easily as we did the last 2 years. Tyrone and Armagh gonna be tough too! Looking forward to it.

eddieSize5Balls (Donegal) - Posts: 294 - 20/02/2026 05:30:14    2657392

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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32:  "Fair enough but you also have to ask yourself what's best to spend money on. The O'Donnell park stand is excellent for what it is. The rest of the ground isn't great but it's literally only full once a year and probably twice this year so what is the point investing in a terrace for that. They would be better investing in floodlights or maybe with weather getting so wet during the winter an all weather pitch somewhere."
It's best for once to spend money on comfort/experience for what brings us in the most money.......the GAA fans.

Talking about very basic facilities here, not premier league style stadiums.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1622 - 20/02/2026 13:14:30    2657470

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Replying To Commodore:  "It's best for once to spend money on comfort/experience for what brings us in the most money.......the GAA fans.

Talking about very basic facilities here, not premier league style stadiums."
I don't agree. I can stand in a shale bank once a year.

Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 974 - 20/02/2026 17:04:44    2657521

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "I know it's maybe a bit trite to say it, but if there was ever a Donegal player who "deserves" a Celtic Cross medal it's the likes of Hugh McFadden. (I'd put Ryan McHugh in the same category)
They both came on the scene after the 2012 win, and have soldiered on for years in the good times and bad. We're certainly in contention in 2026, but a wee bit of luck is needed and when it comes to the business end of things, that other old GAA cliche "all on the day" can often come into it.

I think every knowledgable GAA person in the county always acknowledged the effort Hugh put in. But happily for him, he has elevated his game almost beyond all recognition in recent years. Absolute credit to him."
Hugh, Ryan find themselves in that growing group of footballers who could easily be considered for an all-time Donegal XV but lose out due to not having that All-Ireland medal. That being said you'd make a good argument for Hugh's inclusion at midfield for both peak ability and longevity.

SurelyToGod (Donegal) - Posts: 518 - 21/02/2026 14:02:15    2657633

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Full strength team named for tomorrow. No pulling up the handbrake just yet it seems.

peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1448 - 21/02/2026 14:24:18    2657636

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Replying To SurelyToGod:  "Hugh, Ryan find themselves in that growing group of footballers who could easily be considered for an all-time Donegal XV but lose out due to not having that All-Ireland medal. That being said you'd make a good argument for Hugh's inclusion at midfield for both peak ability and longevity."
Ah stop it. Hugh in an all time donegal 15? Deary me.

eddieSize5Balls (Donegal) - Posts: 294 - 21/02/2026 16:25:47    2657653

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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32:  "I don't agree. I can stand in a shale bank once a year."
Aye well its not just about you, me or the people that don't mind standing on a shale bank, it about the bigger picture in Donegal GAA, its about attracting the people that do mind and the funding that would bring to our Club facilities. Focus should be about attracting families on a wet day, making it a family outing for the matchday experience.

You say O'Donnell park would only be filled once a year, rather that accepting the status quo, do you ever ask why couldn't it be filled a few times per year? i think it could be filled numerous times per year if the infrastructure and facilities were much better.

Likewise in Ballybofey, the main stand is grand and the terracing is grand, but we should still be looking at how we could improve things, increase attendances to less important games.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1622 - 22/02/2026 12:29:04    2657762

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We were very accommodating last week hosting Mayo in O'Donnell Park, where they had a generous proportion of seats in the Stand. No problem with that, first come first served, as it should be. This week we go to the Athletic Grounds, where our Season Ticket holders are being accommodated on the Terrace (granted it is covered), but I'm told many more Season Ticket holders are on the terraces behind the goals. It seems that all people are equal, but some are more equal than others.

SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 897 - 22/02/2026 12:55:16    2657768

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great to get the win today and lots of positives but the injuries to Shane O'Donnell and Ciaran Moore are a big concern. Our entire half forward line is out now - Thompson and O'Baoill too. I suppose that means the young forwards will get plenty of exposure for the rest of the league ...

How many turnovers did Roarty get today? the man is a machine

High_and_wide (Donegal) - Posts: 101 - 22/02/2026 18:30:37    2657877

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Replying To SouthOfTheGap:  "We were very accommodating last week hosting Mayo in O'Donnell Park, where they had a generous proportion of seats in the Stand. No problem with that, first come first served, as it should be. This week we go to the Athletic Grounds, where our Season Ticket holders are being accommodated on the Terrace (granted it is covered), but I'm told many more Season Ticket holders are on the terraces behind the goals. It seems that all people are equal, but some are more equal than others."
Lol accomodating? It's first come first ..first served in league. Though you know ye won't beat as badly the next time around guarantee that .

S1234 (Mayo) - Posts: 845 - 22/02/2026 19:15:50    2657901

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Replying To S1234:  "Lol accomodating? It's first come first ..first served in league. Though you know ye won't beat as badly the next time around guarantee that ."
Look who's resurfaced after a week? I'd have hid as well if I was from Mayo after that performance last Sunday. We'll still beat ye anyway and that's all that matters.

peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1448 - 22/02/2026 20:19:39    2657928

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Replying To peiledoir20:  "Look who's resurfaced after a week? I'd have hid as well if I was from Mayo after that performance last Sunday. We'll still beat ye anyway and that's all that matters."
LOL

S1234 (Mayo) - Posts: 845 - 22/02/2026 21:38:32    2657956

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Anyone know what the story is with Sean Martin, Luke McGlynn and Cian McMenamin
All promising players who have been around the senior set up the last few years but haven't seen their names this year- have they stepped away or are they injured?

gaelicloverdonegal (Donegal) - Posts: 8 - 22/02/2026 21:44:00    2657957

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Replying To High_and_wide:  "great to get the win today and lots of positives but the injuries to Shane O'Donnell and Ciaran Moore are a big concern. Our entire half forward line is out now - Thompson and O'Baoill too. I suppose that means the young forwards will get plenty of exposure for the rest of the league ...

How many turnovers did Roarty get today? the man is a machine"
There was plenty intensity in that match today and was nice one to win. You are right on the injury concern. Shane O'Donnell is an important player, probably underrated in many ways. It will open the door to a younger player or two but don't think you can play too many as they can get physically bullied. I wonder will Murphy start next week.

Oisin gallen was quieter today, there was much more intensity in the armagh defence than mayo last week and it will probably help being him on a bit in the longer term. With mulreanny very good with the two point free not sure why they didn't give him the one gallen hit short in the first half.

Jason mcgee was excellent and showed a lot of stamina so his fitness must be getting better. Mulreanny was very good too but did struggle with a few shorter kickouts but why not keep lumping the ball on top of mcgee if he's winning them.

Roarty is maybe already nearly the best about at affecting a turnover. He's an excellent player.

Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 974 - 22/02/2026 21:45:05    2657958

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Replying To S1234:  "Lol accomodating? It's first come first ..first served in league. Though you know ye won't beat as badly the next time around guarantee that ."
That's the problem with Mayo? It's always the next time.....

Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 848 - 22/02/2026 21:58:01    2657965

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