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Donegal GAA thread

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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."
This is as good and insightful a point that has been made in relationship to the management team/players. And its CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. What's more it is evident in a lot of county teams. What worrying is that this seeping down into club teams as well.

Lets look at Donegal. Two of the most natural footballers we have produced in the last 10 years (Odhran McNiallais and Stephen McBrearty) don't play for the county because the set up doesn't support flair players, players that could win a game on their own with their unpredictability. Connolly in Dublin another example. The 'professionalism' of GAA in the last number of years has led to coaches coming in on big money pushing THEIR gameplan and THEIR ideas down players throats. Players are allowed to think for themselves.

That is bad enough at county level but what is frightening is seeing it at club level i.e. the Donegal Senior Final last year.

One to leave you with - the club that lost the Junior Final in Donegal last year (management) imposed a media band on their players after the semi final.

A Junior club lads, where this going to end?

peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1262 - 03/02/2022 14:40:13    2398142

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Replying To peiledoir20:  "This is as good and insightful a point that has been made in relationship to the management team/players. And its CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. What's more it is evident in a lot of county teams. What worrying is that this seeping down into club teams as well.

Lets look at Donegal. Two of the most natural footballers we have produced in the last 10 years (Odhran McNiallais and Stephen McBrearty) don't play for the county because the set up doesn't support flair players, players that could win a game on their own with their unpredictability. Connolly in Dublin another example. The 'professionalism' of GAA in the last number of years has led to coaches coming in on big money pushing THEIR gameplan and THEIR ideas down players throats. Players are allowed to think for themselves.

That is bad enough at county level but what is frightening is seeing it at club level i.e. the Donegal Senior Final last year.

One to leave you with - the club that lost the Junior Final in Donegal last year (management) imposed a media band on their players after the semi final.

A Junior club lads, where this going to end?"
Odhran McNiallais and Stephen McBrearty natural footballers? When are comments like that going to end.

countyman2022 (Wexford) - Posts: 838 - 03/02/2022 15:11:14    2398153

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Replying To peiledoir20:  "This is as good and insightful a point that has been made in relationship to the management team/players. And its CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. What's more it is evident in a lot of county teams. What worrying is that this seeping down into club teams as well.

Lets look at Donegal. Two of the most natural footballers we have produced in the last 10 years (Odhran McNiallais and Stephen McBrearty) don't play for the county because the set up doesn't support flair players, players that could win a game on their own with their unpredictability. Connolly in Dublin another example. The 'professionalism' of GAA in the last number of years has led to coaches coming in on big money pushing THEIR gameplan and THEIR ideas down players throats. Players are allowed to think for themselves.

That is bad enough at county level but what is frightening is seeing it at club level i.e. the Donegal Senior Final last year.

One to leave you with - the club that lost the Junior Final in Donegal last year (management) imposed a media band on their players after the semi final.

A Junior club lads, where this going to end?"
Unfortunately we have managers at underage like Luke Barret who put too much emphasis on fitness and defensive football and the skillful players are overlooked cause they don't fit into the 'system'. It's true about it seeping down to clubs. Some of them are paying coaches thousands of euro per year and all these coaches do is work on fitness and set them up to defend zonally. Junior clubs recording games and doing video analysis sessions. The football is coached out of young players, they're afraid to make a mistake or try anything in case they lose the ball because there's a guy on the sideline writing down statistics.

greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 705 - 03/02/2022 15:34:44    2398158

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Replying To countyman2022:  "Odhran McNiallais and Stephen McBrearty natural footballers? When are comments like that going to end."
Are you saying they're are not? Who would you define as a natural footballer?

peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1262 - 03/02/2022 15:39:04    2398162

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Replying To greenfan:  "Unfortunately we have managers at underage like Luke Barret who put too much emphasis on fitness and defensive football and the skillful players are overlooked cause they don't fit into the 'system'. It's true about it seeping down to clubs. Some of them are paying coaches thousands of euro per year and all these coaches do is work on fitness and set them up to defend zonally. Junior clubs recording games and doing video analysis sessions. The football is coached out of young players, they're afraid to make a mistake or try anything in case they lose the ball because there's a guy on the sideline writing down statistics."
Yep. Paralysis by analysis in a lot of cases.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9869 - 03/02/2022 15:48:20    2398166

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Replying To greenfan:  "Unfortunately we have managers at underage like Luke Barret who put too much emphasis on fitness and defensive football and the skillful players are overlooked cause they don't fit into the 'system'. It's true about it seeping down to clubs. Some of them are paying coaches thousands of euro per year and all these coaches do is work on fitness and set them up to defend zonally. Junior clubs recording games and doing video analysis sessions. The football is coached out of young players, they're afraid to make a mistake or try anything in case they lose the ball because there's a guy on the sideline writing down statistics."
I remember reading an interview with MacNiallais after he landed in London pre Covid. Basically said (and fair play to him because I'd say plenty more are thinking it and not saying) that county football had become a chore and the enjoyment had gone out of it.

As you say the coaches and managers are getting big bucks but the players are not. They do it and give up their time because they enjoy it, not for financial rewards. Some people would do very well to remember this.

I have noticed my own club and neighboring clubs losing players to other sports and activities lately because the craic has been absolutely sucked out of it by these charlatan managers and coaches.

And who would blame them?

peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1262 - 03/02/2022 16:22:49    2398171

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Replying To SurelyToGod:  "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."
Ya I was sure I seen him named in their squad so thanks for verifying I wasn't losing my mind. He was injured and picked up something in the McKenna Cup. He is definitely good enough to be at least the first option off the bench in that NUIG team granted their full forward line is probably their strongest. Be interesting to see if he gets any game time at the weekend and if so if he plays in the Sigerson weekend the following especially after Conroy's injury. As for Mark Curran I think you might be right, he is certainly one to watch over the next couple of months. He was very comfortable passing with his foot and is strong in the tackle. In fact he got wrongly penalised for a couple last night. In relation to the Derry game last year and how we set up towards the end. What happened Tuesday night was almost a carbon copy only in that instance it wasn't injury time, LYIT were a man up and NUIG punished with the goal.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2882 - 03/02/2022 16:31:52    2398174

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Replying To peiledoir20:  "Are you saying they're are not? Who would you define as a natural footballer?"
Not even going there, two robotic football players.

countyman2022 (Wexford) - Posts: 838 - 03/02/2022 16:45:40    2398178

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Replying To countyman2022:  "Not even going there, two robotic football players."
I think that tells us all we need to know. Stick to the hurling lad.

peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1262 - 03/02/2022 17:07:50    2398186

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Replying To panamasam:  "Ya I was sure I seen him named in their squad so thanks for verifying I wasn't losing my mind. He was injured and picked up something in the McKenna Cup. He is definitely good enough to be at least the first option off the bench in that NUIG team granted their full forward line is probably their strongest. Be interesting to see if he gets any game time at the weekend and if so if he plays in the Sigerson weekend the following especially after Conroy's injury. As for Mark Curran I think you might be right, he is certainly one to watch over the next couple of months. He was very comfortable passing with his foot and is strong in the tackle. In fact he got wrongly penalised for a couple last night. In relation to the Derry game last year and how we set up towards the end. What happened Tuesday night was almost a carbon copy only in that instance it wasn't injury time, LYIT were a man up and NUIG punished with the goal."
Jamie Brennan was out injured long term and didn't play for Bundoran in the champioship.He only came back in the McKenna cup and got a bang on the knee against Derry.Bonner hopes he might be fit for some game time this week.He is obviously being managed carefully at the momemt.I am sure he would walk on to a university team if he was fit and anxious to play.It is a pity because he was looking good against Derry.

gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1179 - 03/02/2022 17:28:16    2398191

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Replying To gunman:  "Jamie Brennan was out injured long term and didn't play for Bundoran in the champioship.He only came back in the McKenna cup and got a bang on the knee against Derry.Bonner hopes he might be fit for some game time this week.He is obviously being managed carefully at the momemt.I am sure he would walk on to a university team if he was fit and anxious to play.It is a pity because he was looking good against Derry."
Jamie Brennan is just coming back from a bad injury. Hopefully he's back this weekend. Jamie is a fantastic player who is a constant threat and scores a lot of important goals plus the fact that he works so hard . Can't wait to see him and Oisín back.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2643 - 03/02/2022 19:10:49    2398212

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Replying To countyman2022:  "Not even going there, two robotic football players."
Why not go there if you brought it up? Are you looking for attention?

greatpoint (USA) - Posts: 454 - 03/02/2022 19:14:37    2398213

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Replying To countyman2022:  "Not even going there, two robotic football players."
This take definitely makes the scrapbook.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9869 - 03/02/2022 19:16:44    2398214

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Replying To rorysboys:  "I don't need to be connected to bonner to appreciate what he has done for Donegal football. I am a follower of Donegal football whether it's Gary Duffy the Barrets or maxi I support and back them all. I don't have agendas I want Donegal doin well. In my eyes bonner is doing a good job . You see clubs all over Ireland struggling to get managers. I tell you one thing too bonner is probably getting little financial reward for doing it, he comes across as being in it for the right reasons. So Marty low balll just climb back under your rock like a good boy. If you want to discuss Donegal football I'm quite willing to debate with you although any question I asked you before you cudnt answer. Fool ha. Wee question what manager has win every under age title in ulster from 15 s to senior plus an intermediate and a senior club championship."
You getting personal now calling me a fool.debate isn't about that you are obviuosly clutching at straws and know I'm right deep down .you are on here raving about how great a job mgt did on Sunday. They managed to blow a 5 point lead against 14 men way 13/14 mins left way backward passing. Every paper this week and pundits saying we are soft and throw in towel too quickly under current regime. If you don't like it being spelt out to you then stop getting personal. Not doing you any favours

marty234 (Donegal) - Posts: 158 - 04/02/2022 09:35:41    2398253

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Replying To marty234:  "You getting personal now calling me a fool.debate isn't about that you are obviuosly clutching at straws and know I'm right deep down .you are on here raving about how great a job mgt did on Sunday. They managed to blow a 5 point lead against 14 men way 13/14 mins left way backward passing. Every paper this week and pundits saying we are soft and throw in towel too quickly under current regime. If you don't like it being spelt out to you then stop getting personal. Not doing you any favours"
Stop behaving like a fool and I might reconsider lol. This forum is about Donegal football not a anti management forum. You can't answer one question I ask you. Il try again who's not on panel that should be and who's on you don't rate. I see your back liking your posts a bit childish every post you put up you like.ha

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2643 - 04/02/2022 10:56:07    2398275

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Replying To gunman:  "Jamie Brennan was out injured long term and didn't play for Bundoran in the champioship.He only came back in the McKenna cup and got a bang on the knee against Derry.Bonner hopes he might be fit for some game time this week.He is obviously being managed carefully at the momemt.I am sure he would walk on to a university team if he was fit and anxious to play.It is a pity because he was looking good against Derry."
Thanks gun. Yes I knew he missed the club campaign and only returned in the McKenna Cup just wasn't sure if he indeed was in NUIG. I doubt he be named in that squad if unavailable for them. But of course Donegal would be his priority. Maybe if he gets game time at the weekend he might play in the semi final. I am intrigued to see how he would do with NUIG.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2882 - 04/02/2022 12:17:18    2398294

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Replying To panamasam:  "Thanks gun. Yes I knew he missed the club campaign and only returned in the McKenna Cup just wasn't sure if he indeed was in NUIG. I doubt he be named in that squad if unavailable for them. But of course Donegal would be his priority. Maybe if he gets game time at the weekend he might play in the semi final. I am intrigued to see how he would do with NUIG."
Yeah you'd imagine that especially now with Tommy Conroy out injured that Brennan would automatically slot into that forward position to replace him. Provided he's injury free of course.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9869 - 04/02/2022 16:22:52    2398326

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Hopefully we'll get plenty support behind the boys for Sunday, it'll be all needed, conditions will be poor but it's winter football. Passionate support have carried mayo over the line on many occasions so it's about time we support the lads from start to finish.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2643 - 04/02/2022 17:16:17    2398336

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Vital we win this one at home on Sunday, Kildare are coming into this game confident and if we collapse again in the second half it's going to be a very tough league for us.
I'm hopeful though the lads will be spurred on by the criticism they received after last Sunday and will be out to set the record straight.
Also hope Murphy is back as penalty taker, forecast doesn't look great for Sunday, could be a hard oul slog to get over the line on a heavy pitch, hope we come through injury free.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3316 - 04/02/2022 18:25:27    2398347

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Stop behaving like a fool and I might reconsider lol. This forum is about Donegal football not a anti management forum. You can't answer one question I ask you. Il try again who's not on panel that should be and who's on you don't rate. I see your back liking your posts a bit childish every post you put up you like.ha"
I'm not going to start slating players, that's not my style , but I know we need Gavin mulreaney in as sub keeper, likes of Aaron deeney Liam Paul ferry in for man marking and bit of steel, Michael Carroll best midfielder in county, kane Barrett , Stephen mcbrearty is playing best ball ever and odhran macniallias but can't blame him as manager refused to start him in big games last year even thou he most skilful player in county. Mot bad picking from abd old fool lol . I don't proclaim to be an expert and know club fball inside out there is more than likely more from intermediate/junior but above names bring a bit of steel that our current set don't seem to think we need .we appoint a mgt team to find these players and attract them in. We have a softness and naivity, the whole country sees it apart from you and we know where it's coming from. And if you don't you know less about fball than I thought you did.

marty234 (Donegal) - Posts: 158 - 04/02/2022 18:42:59    2398349

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