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Replying To rorysboys: "Teams will not let Murphy get isolated inside. I think it was Thompson that him him a high ball in to him early in the game on Sunday last but he had at least three men round him. That's the way county football has gone if they lose possession they funnel back in numbers and Michael seems to sense this and that's why I think he doesn't stay long at full forward. Any game he started this year he started full forward but never seems to stay there long. I would love to see him stay there but he's such a valuable player that he does a lot of great work out the pitch too.. I would love to see us trying to get a full forward who can win his own ball and can kick a score. Michael langan fits the bill but then you would be losing his ability to kick long range points. If only we could unearth a Kieran donaghy.." With the introduction of the mark inside there should be a way to manufacture enough space for Murphy to claim a few. Murphy has exceptional skills to play as a full forward. Even that play for the penalty, he turned on a sixpence. He's great balance and subtlety of movement.
For all langans footballing attributes that kind of movement is not one of them and he's much better out the field. Unfortunately Murphy is also the best kick passer in Donegal though langan should be able to fit the bill at kicking it into Murphy. And as much I think they could manufacture the mark for Murphy I also get that some teams make that hard, though funnily enough mayo aren't one of them.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 893 - 01/02/2022 18:08:02
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Disappointed with the support for Donegal the last day. While there seemed to be plenty of green and yellow, there was very little noise/support. While Mayo are always well supported, we need to be more vocal and get behind the team when we do get a chance to see them play. Felt like a wake at times.
As for the game itself I thought we kicked the ball well in the first half. Direct ball in worked and we also ran it well. A good mix.
The collapse with a man up is worrying. We are a possession based team. We pride ourselves on keeping the ball for several mins and working a score, yet we couldn't implement this when it mattered most. It's OK doing this versus Antrim in Ulster but suppose until you're in the heat of battle only then will you know do you have the skill and temperament to execute it well. We did this well vs Tyrone in BallyB in championship when Gallan kicked the winning score but if any team is to test this system of play, its Mayo and their press. Did we pass the test? Verdict still out.
Just a note on Langan, the next Fenton.
TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1208 - 01/02/2022 20:39:45
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Replying To TheRock2121: "Disappointed with the support for Donegal the last day. While there seemed to be plenty of green and yellow, there was very little noise/support. While Mayo are always well supported, we need to be more vocal and get behind the team when we do get a chance to see them play. Felt like a wake at times.
As for the game itself I thought we kicked the ball well in the first half. Direct ball in worked and we also ran it well. A good mix.
The collapse with a man up is worrying. We are a possession based team. We pride ourselves on keeping the ball for several mins and working a score, yet we couldn't implement this when it mattered most. It's OK doing this versus Antrim in Ulster but suppose until you're in the heat of battle only then will you know do you have the skill and temperament to execute it well. We did this well vs Tyrone in BallyB in championship when Gallan kicked the winning score but if any team is to test this system of play, its Mayo and their press. Did we pass the test? Verdict still out.
Just a note on Langan, the next Fenton." Langan will be an All Star before long, hopefully this year. His point where he shrugged off his opponent and fired over in the second half was superb. Great to see him use his physicality and strength like that.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9869 - 02/02/2022 09:48:20
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Replying To Tyrion: "Think thats what they were trying with mcguinness at the mckenna cup, he got a fair run at it but it just doesn't happen over night. He's definitely physical enough for full forward position just his handling let him down at times, wouldn't be atall surprised yet to see him on Sunday." Felt sorry for mcguinness in the mckenna cup game against Derry. He was inside making decent runs, few times he managed to get isolated with one defender and not one ball kicked into him. Remember thinking at the time, what's the point playing him if you aren't gonna kick the ball to him.
greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 705 - 02/02/2022 10:22:13
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Replying To Lockjaw: "A frustrating result given the position we found ourselves in second half. If McBrearty nailed the penalty it was lights out for Mayo. I wonder are penalties being practiced at training? Obviously there are more fundamental things to be worked on but I couldn't help but think of what may lie ahead in the Championship. Ulster will be even more competitive than usual and I believe games must finish on the day. No harm having 5 designated lads taking 10 or so a session in preparation.
We do seem to have a problem with ruthless conviction. There have been several instances over the years e.g. Tyrone at home in 2018, Mayo away in Castlebar in 2019, Ulster final in 2020 etc where we've found ourselves in a great position to really push on. But for whatever reason we seem unable to bridge the gap. I'm not sure if that's management, player mindset or what. But in the eyes of the pundits we've definitely regressed back into that nice Donegal team with plenty of talent but when it comes down to the nitty gritty we're found wanting.
Until we discover that edge, nastiness, know-how or whatever you want to call it we'll continue to the be the ones with our faces against the window looking in at the Dublins, Kerrys, Tyrones and Mayos competing for the biggest prizes." To be fair to Declan Bonner, Donegal seem to have become more physical now, I don't think Mayo were more physically imposing than us. Also he must have been reading my comments here about fielding proper half/wing backs to protect our full back line and playing Ryan McHugh and Peadar Mogan as wing forwards who drop deep.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1405 - 02/02/2022 11:40:12
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Replying To Lockjaw: "A frustrating result given the position we found ourselves in second half. If McBrearty nailed the penalty it was lights out for Mayo. I wonder are penalties being practiced at training? Obviously there are more fundamental things to be worked on but I couldn't help but think of what may lie ahead in the Championship. Ulster will be even more competitive than usual and I believe games must finish on the day. No harm having 5 designated lads taking 10 or so a session in preparation.
We do seem to have a problem with ruthless conviction. There have been several instances over the years e.g. Tyrone at home in 2018, Mayo away in Castlebar in 2019, Ulster final in 2020 etc where we've found ourselves in a great position to really push on. But for whatever reason we seem unable to bridge the gap. I'm not sure if that's management, player mindset or what. But in the eyes of the pundits we've definitely regressed back into that nice Donegal team with plenty of talent but when it comes down to the nitty gritty we're found wanting.
Until we discover that edge, nastiness, know-how or whatever you want to call it we'll continue to the be the ones with our faces against the window looking in at the Dublins, Kerrys, Tyrones and Mayos competing for the biggest prizes." I disagree with the current assessment that we are regressing into a nice team, I seen an improvement in physicality since 2020 and defensively in Championship we weren't bad.
Last season we blasted Down out of the water, struggled against a well drilled Derry due to Rory Gallaghers have them well drilled for that match and Declan Bonner usual dodgy starting line-up leading to poor match-ups (Ryan McHugh vs Gareth McKinless, Eoin McHugh playing corner back). I thought we matched Tyrone in fitness and physicality, losing Neil McGee after 4 minutes, missing the penalty and Murphy getting sent off before half time really cost us, as in that severe heat in Enniskillen the game was then in Tyrones favour and while we managed to be level on 60 minutes, Tyrone's bench depth let them pull away in the last 15 minutes.
To beat the top teams, we just need our strongest team fit and on the field, and not playing guys in unsuitable positions.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1405 - 02/02/2022 11:54:28
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Replying To greenfan: "Felt sorry for mcguinness in the mckenna cup game against Derry. He was inside making decent runs, few times he managed to get isolated with one defender and not one ball kicked into him. Remember thinking at the time, what's the point playing him if you aren't gonna kick the ball to him." In fairness to Charles McGuinness, he got a lot of game time in the McKenna Cup and he got a decent amount of ball kicked into him, like Patrick McBrearty kicked a perfect ball into his cheat in the McKenna Cup final against Monaghan (1st half), but he just couldn't turn and get a kick away.
I think he needs to improve a good bit yet before he is ready to make the jump, like he has potential, but I think it will be another year or 2 before he is the right condition to take his chance.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1405 - 02/02/2022 11:58:27
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Langan will be an All Star before long, hopefully this year. His point where he shrugged off his opponent and fired over in the second half was superb. Great to see him use his physicality and strength like that." I think Michael Langan is our best player, I noticed last season that teams were no longer giving him the freedom he had between 2018 and 2020, probably after he ran through for scores after throw in a few times.
If we can get the likes of Stephen McMenamin, Oisin Gallen, Hugh McFadden and Jamie Brennan back and keep them and the other key players all fit, then I think we have the potential to win Ulster and challenge for the All Ireland. Looking at the National League so far, I don't look at any of the other teams this year and think any of them are beyond us.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1405 - 02/02/2022 12:07:00
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Think you are right Commodore, I felt last year we were in great shape and put in a massive performance against Tyrone but the conditions, down to 14 and losing Murphy to the red card all combined to it being too big an ask. But I've felt we have looked better defensively over the past year and thought we were good in that regard again on Sunday. It was with the ball that we struggled in the end.
I've more reason to be optimistic than not anyway. It's great to be back at the games.
JoeSoap (Donegal) - Posts: 1432 - 02/02/2022 12:13:19
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Greetings all. Great to see so many familiar names back posting on games again. I was expecting a bit of a storm on here after how last Sunday finished but feel its important to have some perspective. To come away from any away game to Mayo with a point is never bad even if at a neutral venue.
On the game itself I seen nothing different that hasn't been posted. The game encapsulated alot of what both teams are about and still leave questions about both teams ope. For example are Donegal mentally fragile when the intensity stakes are raised and do Mayo have the necessary fire power to take that step they so greatly desire. I actually think if you could pick a best 15 combining Mayo's resilience and tenacity with some of Donegal's fire power and strength around the middle you would probably have the AI winners.
A couple of points from previous posters I was thinking myself. The first being Hugh was badly missed in that final 15 mins. He is as strong as an Ox and great at carrying out the ball. Despite the game management was very poor with tiredness and game conditions a factor. I do feel in such circumstances the lateral stuff is asking for trouble. Also someone commented that Jason McGee can be passive at times. I have to say I do agree as he has everything to be one of the best midfielders in the country. In his defense he is playing is way back in and is probably wary of not making costly errors which brings me to the point of playing not to lose. This was a big bug bearer of mine under RG and I think we seen it on Sunday too. Different if we were a man down but we weren't. Anyways onto the weekend and another challenge in Kildare. Be very interesting to see how we cope with the likes of Flynn. Some saying we've improved defensively but still feel we get sucked in and opened up too easily. Mayo could and should have had a couple of goals even a man down. Great to see OMCFF back and looking fit and strong. There is one fella with a bit of aggression in him and not afraid to go one on one. He had one fantastic turnover at the weekend from a tackle wrongly given as a free against.
Commiserations to LYIT on a fine Sigerson campaign. They had no easy games and probably gave the best two teams left in it on UL and NUIG plenty. I was at the game last night and it was a really good game. NUIG had that little bit more quality about them shown in the superbly worked winning goal even though a man down. LYIT did invite it by sitting back and probably could've been more aggressive. Mogan was fantastic, as was Conor O'Donnell. Jason McGee also had a very good game. A question to come out of the game though is it a benefit to have all the Donegal lads playing for LYIT? The style of play is very much the hand passing system creating triangles and runners but alot of backwards and lateral in between. Historically NUIG would always have some Donegal lads but none this year even though I thought I seen Jamie Brennan listed in their squad before the start of the competition. What are peoples thoughts?
panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2882 - 02/02/2022 13:18:59
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Replying To Commodore: "I disagree with the current assessment that we are regressing into a nice team, I seen an improvement in physicality since 2020 and defensively in Championship we weren't bad.
Last season we blasted Down out of the water, struggled against a well drilled Derry due to Rory Gallaghers have them well drilled for that match and Declan Bonner usual dodgy starting line-up leading to poor match-ups (Ryan McHugh vs Gareth McKinless, Eoin McHugh playing corner back). I thought we matched Tyrone in fitness and physicality, losing Neil McGee after 4 minutes, missing the penalty and Murphy getting sent off before half time really cost us, as in that severe heat in Enniskillen the game was then in Tyrones favour and while we managed to be level on 60 minutes, Tyrone's bench depth let them pull away in the last 15 minutes.
To beat the top teams, we just need our strongest team fit and on the field, and not playing guys in unsuitable positions." I hope you're right. However, I don't think I'm alone in feeling that until we edge out a serious contender in knockout Championship football, we'll continue to be seen as the nearly men. In saying that, I think if/when we do manage it, the difference psychologically it could make to this group would be seismic. Think 2011 when we beat McGeeney's Kildare in a pure arm wrestle. OK we were still a bit too defensive minded to beat Dublin, but it was a massive result in terms of where McGuinness would eventually bring that team.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9869 - 02/02/2022 14:00:05
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Replying To panamasam: "Greetings all. Great to see so many familiar names back posting on games again. I was expecting a bit of a storm on here after how last Sunday finished but feel its important to have some perspective. To come away from any away game to Mayo with a point is never bad even if at a neutral venue.
On the game itself I seen nothing different that hasn't been posted. The game encapsulated alot of what both teams are about and still leave questions about both teams ope. For example are Donegal mentally fragile when the intensity stakes are raised and do Mayo have the necessary fire power to take that step they so greatly desire. I actually think if you could pick a best 15 combining Mayo's resilience and tenacity with some of Donegal's fire power and strength around the middle you would probably have the AI winners.
A couple of points from previous posters I was thinking myself. The first being Hugh was badly missed in that final 15 mins. He is as strong as an Ox and great at carrying out the ball. Despite the game management was very poor with tiredness and game conditions a factor. I do feel in such circumstances the lateral stuff is asking for trouble. Also someone commented that Jason McGee can be passive at times. I have to say I do agree as he has everything to be one of the best midfielders in the country. In his defense he is playing is way back in and is probably wary of not making costly errors which brings me to the point of playing not to lose. This was a big bug bearer of mine under RG and I think we seen it on Sunday too. Different if we were a man down but we weren't. Anyways onto the weekend and another challenge in Kildare. Be very interesting to see how we cope with the likes of Flynn. Some saying we've improved defensively but still feel we get sucked in and opened up too easily. Mayo could and should have had a couple of goals even a man down. Great to see OMCFF back and looking fit and strong. There is one fella with a bit of aggression in him and not afraid to go one on one. He had one fantastic turnover at the weekend from a tackle wrongly given as a free against.
Commiserations to LYIT on a fine Sigerson campaign. They had no easy games and probably gave the best two teams left in it on UL and NUIG plenty. I was at the game last night and it was a really good game. NUIG had that little bit more quality about them shown in the superbly worked winning goal even though a man down. LYIT did invite it by sitting back and probably could've been more aggressive. Mogan was fantastic, as was Conor O'Donnell. Jason McGee also had a very good game. A question to come out of the game though is it a benefit to have all the Donegal lads playing for LYIT? The style of play is very much the hand passing system creating triangles and runners but alot of backwards and lateral in between. Historically NUIG would always have some Donegal lads but none this year even though I thought I seen Jamie Brennan listed in their squad before the start of the competition. What are peoples thoughts?" NUIG notoriously never have Donegal lads. Colm McFadden and Colm Kelly the only exceptions that come to mind.
There's All Stars and All-Ireland winners who went to NUIG from Donegal who never got a look in
SurelyToGod (Donegal) - Posts: 472 - 02/02/2022 20:31:23
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Replying To panamasam: "Greetings all. Great to see so many familiar names back posting on games again. I was expecting a bit of a storm on here after how last Sunday finished but feel its important to have some perspective. To come away from any away game to Mayo with a point is never bad even if at a neutral venue.
On the game itself I seen nothing different that hasn't been posted. The game encapsulated alot of what both teams are about and still leave questions about both teams ope. For example are Donegal mentally fragile when the intensity stakes are raised and do Mayo have the necessary fire power to take that step they so greatly desire. I actually think if you could pick a best 15 combining Mayo's resilience and tenacity with some of Donegal's fire power and strength around the middle you would probably have the AI winners.
A couple of points from previous posters I was thinking myself. The first being Hugh was badly missed in that final 15 mins. He is as strong as an Ox and great at carrying out the ball. Despite the game management was very poor with tiredness and game conditions a factor. I do feel in such circumstances the lateral stuff is asking for trouble. Also someone commented that Jason McGee can be passive at times. I have to say I do agree as he has everything to be one of the best midfielders in the country. In his defense he is playing is way back in and is probably wary of not making costly errors which brings me to the point of playing not to lose. This was a big bug bearer of mine under RG and I think we seen it on Sunday too. Different if we were a man down but we weren't. Anyways onto the weekend and another challenge in Kildare. Be very interesting to see how we cope with the likes of Flynn. Some saying we've improved defensively but still feel we get sucked in and opened up too easily. Mayo could and should have had a couple of goals even a man down. Great to see OMCFF back and looking fit and strong. There is one fella with a bit of aggression in him and not afraid to go one on one. He had one fantastic turnover at the weekend from a tackle wrongly given as a free against.
Commiserations to LYIT on a fine Sigerson campaign. They had no easy games and probably gave the best two teams left in it on UL and NUIG plenty. I was at the game last night and it was a really good game. NUIG had that little bit more quality about them shown in the superbly worked winning goal even though a man down. LYIT did invite it by sitting back and probably could've been more aggressive. Mogan was fantastic, as was Conor O'Donnell. Jason McGee also had a very good game. A question to come out of the game though is it a benefit to have all the Donegal lads playing for LYIT? The style of play is very much the hand passing system creating triangles and runners but alot of backwards and lateral in between. Historically NUIG would always have some Donegal lads but none this year even though I thought I seen Jamie Brennan listed in their squad before the start of the competition. What are peoples thoughts?" It was myself that referred to Jason McGee as being passive, which was the reason I came back on the forum this evening. Bear with me on this (ramblings of a mad man). Now I'm no rugby expert by any stretch, but driving home in the car half an hour ago listening to Newstalk, Off The Ball, and the rugby hour. Everything they (Keith Wood and Stuart Barnes) were talking about made my mind wander to Donegal football. They talked about how the Northern Hemisphere (NH) teams are improved in the last year or so. They referred to the NH teams being over coached in the last 20 years, to the point where players became risk averse, afraid of making a break that wasn't rehearsed. And management picking players that wouldn't make a mistake. They were hopeful for the upcoming 6 Nations because teams have been having more of a cut. Barnes referred to the standard of the English team improving, because there was no relegation in the Premiership last year, which took the fear of mistakes out of some of the flair players. It went on, but it brought me back to my assessment of Jason McGee.
So, are Donegal over coached?
As previously mentioned by myself and many others, when we were met with something different from what we prepared for in training, especially the ferocity of Mayo in 2019, the hunger of Cavan in 20, is part of our weakness that we are over coached? Risk averse? Tactically naive?
I just wish we could rediscover that something special we had under Jim, the exhilarating displays like against Kildare in 2011, Cork in 2012, Dublin in 2014. Jim would've told Jason to have a cut.
SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 831 - 02/02/2022 21:07:41
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Replying To SouthOfTheGap: "It was myself that referred to Jason McGee as being passive, which was the reason I came back on the forum this evening. Bear with me on this (ramblings of a mad man). Now I'm no rugby expert by any stretch, but driving home in the car half an hour ago listening to Newstalk, Off The Ball, and the rugby hour. Everything they (Keith Wood and Stuart Barnes) were talking about made my mind wander to Donegal football. They talked about how the Northern Hemisphere (NH) teams are improved in the last year or so. They referred to the NH teams being over coached in the last 20 years, to the point where players became risk averse, afraid of making a break that wasn't rehearsed. And management picking players that wouldn't make a mistake. They were hopeful for the upcoming 6 Nations because teams have been having more of a cut. Barnes referred to the standard of the English team improving, because there was no relegation in the Premiership last year, which took the fear of mistakes out of some of the flair players. It went on, but it brought me back to my assessment of Jason McGee.
So, are Donegal over coached?
As previously mentioned by myself and many others, when we were met with something different from what we prepared for in training, especially the ferocity of Mayo in 2019, the hunger of Cavan in 20, is part of our weakness that we are over coached? Risk averse? Tactically naive?
I just wish we could rediscover that something special we had under Jim, the exhilarating displays like against Kildare in 2011, Cork in 2012, Dublin in 2014. Jim would've told Jason to have a cut." That is a very intersting school of thought I have to say. Now obviously you don't want a situation where every player is going off gung-ho & way off the reservation in terms of the team plan. But certainly there should be room for using initiative & empowering players to trust their talent and instincts when opportunities present themselves.
I can think of no better example of over coaching than in last year's game against Derry. Thankfully it went in our favour that day. But Derry must have had the ball for about 2 minutes in the closing stages outside the so-called scoring zone trying to engineer a gap for one of their scoring forwards to attempt an equaliser. In the end they passed it around among themselves until time ran out.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9869 - 03/02/2022 10:59:07
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Replying To SurelyToGod: "NUIG notoriously never have Donegal lads. Colm McFadden and Colm Kelly the only exceptions that come to mind.
There's All Stars and All-Ireland winners who went to NUIG from Donegal who never got a look in" I was thinking of Colm McFadden and was being presumptive that they did given how many go from Donegal to college there usually on packed Feda O'Donnell buses. Is Jamie Brennan there this year you know?
panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2882 - 03/02/2022 10:59:36
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Replying To SouthOfTheGap: "It was myself that referred to Jason McGee as being passive, which was the reason I came back on the forum this evening. Bear with me on this (ramblings of a mad man). Now I'm no rugby expert by any stretch, but driving home in the car half an hour ago listening to Newstalk, Off The Ball, and the rugby hour. Everything they (Keith Wood and Stuart Barnes) were talking about made my mind wander to Donegal football. They talked about how the Northern Hemisphere (NH) teams are improved in the last year or so. They referred to the NH teams being over coached in the last 20 years, to the point where players became risk averse, afraid of making a break that wasn't rehearsed. And management picking players that wouldn't make a mistake. They were hopeful for the upcoming 6 Nations because teams have been having more of a cut. Barnes referred to the standard of the English team improving, because there was no relegation in the Premiership last year, which took the fear of mistakes out of some of the flair players. It went on, but it brought me back to my assessment of Jason McGee.
So, are Donegal over coached?
As previously mentioned by myself and many others, when we were met with something different from what we prepared for in training, especially the ferocity of Mayo in 2019, the hunger of Cavan in 20, is part of our weakness that we are over coached? Risk averse? Tactically naive?
I just wish we could rediscover that something special we had under Jim, the exhilarating displays like against Kildare in 2011, Cork in 2012, Dublin in 2014. Jim would've told Jason to have a cut." I think you are definitely onto something here but Donegal are no different from most team in respect of being risk averse - Armagh being the exception. Modern day Gaelic football is about possession and not taking risks. We have failed these past 4 years with our current game plan, why not try something different and go a bit more direct. We have Michael Murphy and McBrearty to hit direct ball to. I'm sure Michael would stay at full forward if he knew the ball was going to come into him. You won't get subbed for hand passing the ball or get turned over but if you try a kick pass and it goes wrong then you will get called ashore. Are we overcoached, yes I think so. If you took Langan out of the Donegal team, we would be struggling to hit 10 points per game.
Green_Gold (Donegal) - Posts: 1916 - 03/02/2022 11:02:26
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Replying To SouthOfTheGap: "It was myself that referred to Jason McGee as being passive, which was the reason I came back on the forum this evening. Bear with me on this (ramblings of a mad man). Now I'm no rugby expert by any stretch, but driving home in the car half an hour ago listening to Newstalk, Off The Ball, and the rugby hour. Everything they (Keith Wood and Stuart Barnes) were talking about made my mind wander to Donegal football. They talked about how the Northern Hemisphere (NH) teams are improved in the last year or so. They referred to the NH teams being over coached in the last 20 years, to the point where players became risk averse, afraid of making a break that wasn't rehearsed. And management picking players that wouldn't make a mistake. They were hopeful for the upcoming 6 Nations because teams have been having more of a cut. Barnes referred to the standard of the English team improving, because there was no relegation in the Premiership last year, which took the fear of mistakes out of some of the flair players. It went on, but it brought me back to my assessment of Jason McGee.
So, are Donegal over coached?
As previously mentioned by myself and many others, when we were met with something different from what we prepared for in training, especially the ferocity of Mayo in 2019, the hunger of Cavan in 20, is part of our weakness that we are over coached? Risk averse? Tactically naive?
I just wish we could rediscover that something special we had under Jim, the exhilarating displays like against Kildare in 2011, Cork in 2012, Dublin in 2014. Jim would've told Jason to have a cut." Ya I think there is truth to that. I was getting at similar sentiments when using the word systematic. You can see it even at the colleges level where everything is set up so that certain selected players are hitting the ball running into gaps. The fear factor was obvious in that same game where everyone sat back and let a team with a man less have the ball which eventually resulted in scoring a brilliant goal (similar happened a few minutes before but cracked the post). I don't think its just a Donegal thing either. Similar sentiments were applied to Dublin on the excellent otb gaa podcast.
I said in that post about NUIG and UL being probably the best teams but forgot DCU. Really enjoyed their game against a star studded UU team who yet again flattered to deceive. Mark Curran was excellent. He seems like a real leader in that team driving on alot of plays. Shane O'Donnell looked very assured and composed when he came on and made a big difference along with Finnerty from Galway.
panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2882 - 03/02/2022 11:11:56
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Replying To panamasam: "I was thinking of Colm McFadden and was being presumptive that they did given how many go from Donegal to college there usually on packed Feda O'Donnell buses. Is Jamie Brennan there this year you know?" He was in the squad from what I know, but I don't know why he hasn't been playing for NUIG or Donegal. It's hard enough for non-Connacht players to break into NUIG team, maybe playing him isn't their priority, maybe he's injured, maybe he isn't good enough? He's 26, maybe his own priorities don't lie in a Sigerson Cup which has taken a reputation hit due to the condensed calendar.
SurelyToGod (Donegal) - Posts: 472 - 03/02/2022 13:32:50
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There's been a lot of interesting and well informed posts over the last few days. I don't have much problem with the way Donegal play football. They opened up quite a bit under bonner and it was more appealing than the few years before. They broke the ulster scoring record in 2018. The last two years have been just too bitty to judge the way of playing.
What bothers me is the continued loss of close games. Since 2017 we've played mayo I think it's five times. We have lost twice and drew three times. One of the draws relegated Donegal. Every one of them games was winnable and none were. There is something wrong with that.
The last quarter could definitely have being managed better by the players in the field. There are also loads of learnings but you have to learn your lessons and you wonder do they.
The good thing about the league is it comes thick and fast and look to put a few things right. Kildare will be plenty up for it under their be management and no doubt have targeted this game. That though is real opportunity for Donegal to show their stuff and Just go out and win.
Forecast is not great over next few days so hope ballybofey is playable enough.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 893 - 03/02/2022 13:49:49
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Replying To panamasam: "Ya I think there is truth to that. I was getting at similar sentiments when using the word systematic. You can see it even at the colleges level where everything is set up so that certain selected players are hitting the ball running into gaps. The fear factor was obvious in that same game where everyone sat back and let a team with a man less have the ball which eventually resulted in scoring a brilliant goal (similar happened a few minutes before but cracked the post). I don't think its just a Donegal thing either. Similar sentiments were applied to Dublin on the excellent otb gaa podcast.
I said in that post about NUIG and UL being probably the best teams but forgot DCU. Really enjoyed their game against a star studded UU team who yet again flattered to deceive. Mark Curran was excellent. He seems like a real leader in that team driving on alot of plays. Shane O'Donnell looked very assured and composed when he came on and made a big difference along with Finnerty from Galway." Mark Curran is of a high quality and will be integrated more and more into the county team as Sigerson finishes up. Don't be surprised to see him starting in Ballybofey in April.
SurelyToGod (Donegal) - Posts: 472 - 03/02/2022 13:54:58
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