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Replying To thelowball: "Best of luck to wee Paddy on what appears to have been an'enforced' retirement. Paddy McGrath looked injury free last year and played well every day out for his club. Bonner again talking out both sides of his mouth. Paddy could and should still be there. @ Rory . Before u jump in, there's one and still the best man marker in the county. Rory ,why don't u tell us who is better at the moment!" As usual talking bull. Paddy missed more games than he played for ardara this year. I seen a few ardara games and he wasn't playing. Ask any ardara person and they'll tell you that injury's has been a problem for him this last few years. At paddy's age he needed a good run with injuries but he never got it so that was the deciding factor I would say in his decision.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2392 - 09/12/2021 15:55:47
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@Rory, that's real garbage and a make up post .
thelowball (USA) - Posts: 400 - 09/12/2021 16:20:17
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Replying To thelowball: "@Rory, that's real garbage and a make up post ." Still running away from all the questions lad . You have only topic which is anti bonner and rochford but you have no answers to our defensive problems. Mc grath my friend was a brilliant defender but his day is up. Man marking and been able to play football and kick a score is a very hard problem to address.. do we have a ready place replacement I can't see it at the moment. Man marking is an art in itself and until we unearth a few, we are going nowhere. Have high hopes for young Jamie grant I think he will make it but maybe not this year. Did you buy the New Jersey lowball or what's your opinion on it and have you any comments on our new S&c coach who I read is full time.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2392 - 09/12/2021 17:30:28
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Firstly we'll done padd mcgrath in a great intercounty career and hopefully and best of luck with the rest of his club career Ardara.
In relation to next year there's certainly room for defensive improvement. It's hard to get a solid opinion on any man marking defender as the concept is pretty alien to club football in donegal and particularly at the higher end of senior club football. Caolan Ward had a great club championship but you couldn't say he's done much real man to man marking given the system eunan's play. I think he's plenty to offer in the hb line. I really don't want to see Ban in a man marking role either. Nobody caused tyrone more problems this year than ban running down their throat in the second half in Enniskillen. To me he has to be in the hb line or the in a sweeper role and where when ball is turned over he can bomb up the field. Maybe interchanging with mogan in this role a little. Mogan possibly being named in the forwards.
In the fb it looks like mcgee wants to go again and if he gets to the levels then he gets the position. Mcole did a good job on niall O'donnell in the club championship and see him getting plenty time. Mcmenamin needs to get back to the levels of a few years ago to play. I'm not sure he's been really injury free over the last while. There are other corner back positions up for grab. I think I'd be working with mcff and maybe jack mckelvey and maybe others that they might bring in. I did understand what they were trying to do with eoin mchugh as well at corner back. If the are going to stick with it then both he and management need to fully commit to it in preseason and keep working on his defence.
I also see merit in trying conor o'donnell (Carn) as a wing back. He seems to have real running power and more generally really looking forward to seeing more of him next year. There are also overall more options in the forwards.
I admire the work hugh mcfadden gets through and you can't underestimate the physical advantage he brings yo the game. Mcgonagle has also been solid over last few years and is very reliable. You'd maybe think Jason mcgee has more natural talent and if he can get to his best then he'd be a starter. Though he has to deliver consistently and I know he's had a tough time with injuries. You'd like to see langan really start to take a hold of games and start bossing them. He's so much ability. Niall odonnell had a very good club championship and see him continuing (and developing). Thompson puts in a huge shift of work though it's not the same role as NC. Langan probably does this for donegal. A fully fit brennan after his surgery and more game time for farrah would be a good thing. Mogan and Ryan mchugh come into as well as roving forwards. I get trying to change things up with Ryan mchugh as it's been a bit stale. Then mcbreaty though his pace does not seem as good as it once was and I wonder will things get harder for him. There is also mcniallais and hopefully he wants to go again as well given his ability.
And finally murphy. Based on the last few club games he's carrying injuries and don't think it's realistic to expect him to be the player he once was but hopefully he can get back to close to his best. No matter what happens with him others need to take more responsibility.
There is still plenty to be hopeful for and if nothing else it would great to gey a full series of matches after the last two years.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 689 - 11/12/2021 12:01:07
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A great result for Downings at the weekend. I have to admit I thought that they'd be up against it. Monaghan junior & intermediate teams are usually very strong, plus they had big Niall Kearns to contend with.
But big Kearns was sent off and Downings looked like they were full value for the win.
They face the Cavan champions next in the final. It will be a great occasion for the club I'm sure & I wish them all the best.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9116 - 13/12/2021 08:46:34
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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32: "Firstly we'll done padd mcgrath in a great intercounty career and hopefully and best of luck with the rest of his club career Ardara.
In relation to next year there's certainly room for defensive improvement. It's hard to get a solid opinion on any man marking defender as the concept is pretty alien to club football in donegal and particularly at the higher end of senior club football. Caolan Ward had a great club championship but you couldn't say he's done much real man to man marking given the system eunan's play. I think he's plenty to offer in the hb line. I really don't want to see Ban in a man marking role either. Nobody caused tyrone more problems this year than ban running down their throat in the second half in Enniskillen. To me he has to be in the hb line or the in a sweeper role and where when ball is turned over he can bomb up the field. Maybe interchanging with mogan in this role a little. Mogan possibly being named in the forwards.
In the fb it looks like mcgee wants to go again and if he gets to the levels then he gets the position. Mcole did a good job on niall O'donnell in the club championship and see him getting plenty time. Mcmenamin needs to get back to the levels of a few years ago to play. I'm not sure he's been really injury free over the last while. There are other corner back positions up for grab. I think I'd be working with mcff and maybe jack mckelvey and maybe others that they might bring in. I did understand what they were trying to do with eoin mchugh as well at corner back. If the are going to stick with it then both he and management need to fully commit to it in preseason and keep working on his defence.
I also see merit in trying conor o'donnell (Carn) as a wing back. He seems to have real running power and more generally really looking forward to seeing more of him next year. There are also overall more options in the forwards.
I admire the work hugh mcfadden gets through and you can't underestimate the physical advantage he brings yo the game. Mcgonagle has also been solid over last few years and is very reliable. You'd maybe think Jason mcgee has more natural talent and if he can get to his best then he'd be a starter. Though he has to deliver consistently and I know he's had a tough time with injuries. You'd like to see langan really start to take a hold of games and start bossing them. He's so much ability. Niall odonnell had a very good club championship and see him continuing (and developing). Thompson puts in a huge shift of work though it's not the same role as NC. Langan probably does this for donegal. A fully fit brennan after his surgery and more game time for farrah would be a good thing. Mogan and Ryan mchugh come into as well as roving forwards. I get trying to change things up with Ryan mchugh as it's been a bit stale. Then mcbreaty though his pace does not seem as good as it once was and I wonder will things get harder for him. There is also mcniallais and hopefully he wants to go again as well given his ability.
And finally murphy. Based on the last few club games he's carrying injuries and don't think it's realistic to expect him to be the player he once was but hopefully he can get back to close to his best. No matter what happens with him others need to take more responsibility.
There is still plenty to be hopeful for and if nothing else it would great to gey a full series of matches after the last two years." Donegal have any amount of talent to pick from that most counties would be envious of. My biggest concern really is the psychological factor. Do these lads really have it between the ears when its needed? I am sure opposition management will say that we don't and its hard to argue against Martin McHugh's assertion that Donegal are a bit like the Cork footballers from a few years ago or the Galway hurlers always flattering to deceive. I am sure the players and management are aware of this notion so be interesting to see if the new additions in the management set up can influence this mindset.
panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2779 - 13/12/2021 13:20:56
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Replying To Lockjaw: "A great result for Downings at the weekend. I have to admit I thought that they'd be up against it. Monaghan junior & intermediate teams are usually very strong, plus they had big Niall Kearns to contend with.
But big Kearns was sent off and Downings looked like they were full value for the win.
They face the Cavan champions next in the final. It will be a great occasion for the club I'm sure & I wish them all the best." Agreed, a serious win and sounded like an absolute dogfight so they will be delighted with that.
They have some serious attacking treat, The McGroddys, Lorcan Conor, Danny McBride and Gary Bán contributing from the bench.
They have always been a strong junior club in Donegal.
Interesting that they brought in new management a few days before their first championship game in Donegal in September. Barney Curran is a massive addition to the management team. His brother Maxi is a well renowned coach but Barney is a shrewd operator too.
Best of luck to them on Sunday.
peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 797 - 13/12/2021 13:40:46
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Replying To Lockjaw: "A great result for Downings at the weekend. I have to admit I thought that they'd be up against it. Monaghan junior & intermediate teams are usually very strong, plus they had big Niall Kearns to contend with.
But big Kearns was sent off and Downings looked like they were full value for the win.
They face the Cavan champions next in the final. It will be a great occasion for the club I'm sure & I wish them all the best." Great result alright. After beating Monaghan champions who had beat Tyrone champions they'll go in as favourites. Though Derry teams are no mugs and denn beat them.
The ulster junior and intermediate club competitions are great and Donegal have been very competitive recently in the junior which is great to see. It's also great to get it played before Christmas as well. Anyhow best of luck to them from me too.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 689 - 13/12/2021 13:44:18
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Replying To panamasam: "Donegal have any amount of talent to pick from that most counties would be envious of. My biggest concern really is the psychological factor. Do these lads really have it between the ears when its needed? I am sure opposition management will say that we don't and its hard to argue against Martin McHugh's assertion that Donegal are a bit like the Cork footballers from a few years ago or the Galway hurlers always flattering to deceive. I am sure the players and management are aware of this notion so be interesting to see if the new additions in the management set up can influence this mindset." Hopefully this new psychologist could be an asset. I wouldn't go as far as saying that we don't have it between the ears, although results might suggest otherwise. A factor that isn't mentioned a lot is that we haven't a great run with injuries when it came to the business end of the year.. I personally feel that there's certain players we can't afford to lose probably most counties are the same. But take Dublin never get many injuries when they were winning all Ireland's . Tyrone last year got a good run bar the covid outbreak. Kerry probably if Clifford hadn't have got injured would probably have win the all Ireland. You need them wee breaks going for u to be winning all Ireland's. Maybe it is something todo with the training we do but I presume like all the top teams all training sessions are tailored to high intensity so there's always a chance of picking up knocks. No doubt laurel and hardy will respond to this.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2392 - 13/12/2021 16:23:29
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Replying To rorysboys: "Hopefully this new psychologist could be an asset. I wouldn't go as far as saying that we don't have it between the ears, although results might suggest otherwise. A factor that isn't mentioned a lot is that we haven't a great run with injuries when it came to the business end of the year.. I personally feel that there's certain players we can't afford to lose probably most counties are the same. But take Dublin never get many injuries when they were winning all Ireland's . Tyrone last year got a good run bar the covid outbreak. Kerry probably if Clifford hadn't have got injured would probably have win the all Ireland. You need them wee breaks going for u to be winning all Ireland's. Maybe it is something todo with the training we do but I presume like all the top teams all training sessions are tailored to high intensity so there's always a chance of picking up knocks. No doubt laurel and hardy will respond to this." If having someone in adds value then great. The Limerick hurlers have been very complimentary on the work Caroline Currid has done. The run of injuries is just part and parcel of it. You have to have a squad that can absorb injuries so squad depth is no doubt a continued goal. You can't make it an excuse or you won't succeed.
I didn't mention Shane o'donnell, he probably has to be brought in. He mightened be quite as creative as his brother though probably more powerful runner. I think you could probably consider him in the half back line as well as a slightly left field option. Congrats to eunans on the under 21. I sense they probably would have just about got over the line but the first sending off definitely had a big bearing. Holding onto the the attacking player is very frustrating and probably should be a black card but you can't overreact. It was hard to see if the mccumhaills player definitely did enough to get sent off.
Dowling who is under 19 also is someone to keep an eye on. In his minor year he was a great man to win throw in for donegal. He has a great vertical leap. At the start of the second he went way up to win the throw in again and created the first score. It was a big time play and he looks like he could be a fine midfielder in due course.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 689 - 14/12/2021 08:22:06
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Replying To rorysboys: "Hopefully this new psychologist could be an asset. I wouldn't go as far as saying that we don't have it between the ears, although results might suggest otherwise. A factor that isn't mentioned a lot is that we haven't a great run with injuries when it came to the business end of the year.. I personally feel that there's certain players we can't afford to lose probably most counties are the same. But take Dublin never get many injuries when they were winning all Ireland's . Tyrone last year got a good run bar the covid outbreak. Kerry probably if Clifford hadn't have got injured would probably have win the all Ireland. You need them wee breaks going for u to be winning all Ireland's. Maybe it is something todo with the training we do but I presume like all the top teams all training sessions are tailored to high intensity so there's always a chance of picking up knocks. No doubt laurel and hardy will respond to this." Valid point regarding the injuries we certainly haven't had much luck with them over the last couple of years. However in relation to the psychological factors the game against Cavan is really the one that stands out. To a lesser degree the Mayo game but do think injuries played a big factor in the Tyrone game combined with their bench. Be interesting to see what the new sports psychologist brings.
panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2779 - 14/12/2021 17:35:57
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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32: "If having someone in adds value then great. The Limerick hurlers have been very complimentary on the work Caroline Currid has done. The run of injuries is just part and parcel of it. You have to have a squad that can absorb injuries so squad depth is no doubt a continued goal. You can't make it an excuse or you won't succeed.
I didn't mention Shane o'donnell, he probably has to be brought in. He mightened be quite as creative as his brother though probably more powerful runner. I think you could probably consider him in the half back line as well as a slightly left field option. Congrats to eunans on the under 21. I sense they probably would have just about got over the line but the first sending off definitely had a big bearing. Holding onto the the attacking player is very frustrating and probably should be a black card but you can't overreact. It was hard to see if the mccumhaills player definitely did enough to get sent off.
Dowling who is under 19 also is someone to keep an eye on. In his minor year he was a great man to win throw in for donegal. He has a great vertical leap. At the start of the second he went way up to win the throw in again and created the first score. It was a big time play and he looks like he could be a fine midfielder in due course." Dowling is certainly one to be optimistic about. First came to my attention playing with the under 17's against Cavan a couple of years ago. He is an excellent fielder and has a habit of getting inspirational scores. Donegal really are going to be stacked in midfield and the half forward lines for many years to come.
panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2779 - 14/12/2021 17:40:30
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This years under 20 Captain Rory O Donnell from MIlford can be added to the midfield gang of the future also.
jacktheboy (Donegal) - Posts: 404 - 14/12/2021 21:39:29
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@Rory, Take it easy on the festivities over the the holidays, don't need u getting stuck in the chimney doing ur Santa Claus impersonation! Leave that to Bonner. Oh , by the way u mentioned a couple of new guys, er Laurel and Hardy. Would they be management or players! Don't recognize the names, maybe u can clarify. Watch the space for the countdown!
thelowball (USA) - Posts: 400 - 15/12/2021 11:10:03
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Replying To thelowball: "@Rory, Take it easy on the festivities over the the holidays, don't need u getting stuck in the chimney doing ur Santa Claus impersonation! Leave that to Bonner. Oh , by the way u mentioned a couple of new guys, er Laurel and Hardy. Would they be management or players! Don't recognize the names, maybe u can clarify. Watch the space for the countdown!" Waiting on hardy to give you the thumbs up.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2392 - 15/12/2021 11:49:02
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Replying To jacktheboy: "This years under 20 Captain Rory O Donnell from MIlford can be added to the midfield gang of the future also." Ya another decent prospect Jack. Definitely has some size and scope about him. He has a habit of making needless mistakes and the head can drop after from what I have seen of him but these things happen with young players. Hopefully with time and the maturity that comes with it that he can keep the needless stuff to a minimum and if he does make a poor decision which is part of the game that he learns to swiftly move on and not let it effect the rest of his performance. He'll be in training with the seniors as part of the development squad for sure. Think Dowling is under 20 again this year. They actually have a decent team, better than what they showed at under 17.
panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2779 - 15/12/2021 13:11:38
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Yet again Shane Ward proves his credentials as a top class coach getting derrygonnelly to the ulster club final..... admittedly not matching the stellar achievements of those who shafted him from the minor set up!
totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 912 - 18/12/2021 21:47:12
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Replying To totalrecall: "Yet again Shane Ward proves his credentials as a top class coach getting derrygonnelly to the ulster club final..... admittedly not matching the stellar achievements of those who shafted him from the minor set up!" I didn't know he was up there. Fair play to him wish him every success especially after the way he was treated.
panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2779 - 20/12/2021 18:38:36
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Áthbhliain úr faoi mhaise daoibh uilig.
Hope you all enjoyed the Festive period. It was another strange Christmas but hopefully the last of its kind.
It was disappointing, although not that surprising to hear that MacNiallais has opted out for 2022. I think that chapter is now fully closed & his decision should be respected.
Eoghan McHugh's decision was perhaps more surprising. He was a very useful player to have in the squad who could operate in a variety of roles. But again, he'll have his own reasons for stepping away. I wish both lads the best & thank them for their efforts in county colours over the years.
Looking forward to the McKenna Cup on Friday. I literally cannot remember the last county game I went to. Hopefully we'll see some new faces and they'll stake a claim for places in the squad and maybe even team.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9116 - 05/01/2022 11:08:04
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Áthbhliain úr faoi mhaise daoibh uilig.
Hope you all enjoyed the Festive period. It was another strange Christmas but hopefully the last of its kind.
It was disappointing, although not that surprising to hear that MacNiallais has opted out for 2022. I think that chapter is now fully closed & his decision should be respected.
Eoghan McHugh's decision was perhaps more surprising. He was a very useful player to have in the squad who could operate in a variety of roles. But again, he'll have his own reasons for stepping away. I wish both lads the best & thank them for their efforts in county colours over the years.
Looking forward to the McKenna Cup on Friday. I literally cannot remember the last county game I went to. Hopefully we'll see some new faces and they'll stake a claim for places in the squad and maybe even team." Yea looking forward to a new year. Be interesting to see how Aaron Doherty and a few of the u20s get on. Be nice to get a few defenders showing up and hopefully for young Conor o donnell and Oisin gallen to step up and show there undoubted quality.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2392 - 05/01/2022 15:27:49
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