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Donegal GAA thread

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Replying To fionmaccumhaill:  "Not a good showing but maybe not that surprising for all of you that have been attending club football over the past number of years. It's safety first football where not giving the ball away is gospel. It can go sideways and backwards but heaven forbid that you go at a team. Clubs have been doing it for years now and for two reasons. First because it is the easiest thing for a manager to do. To set up a team defensively in order to stop the opposition from scoring. Secondly, when you come up against a team that are set up this way then what do you do? You have to hold the ball and play around in front of them until you hopefully get a weakess in the defensive line. Teams have been having success with this style of non-play and it has become endemic. You will see it in a Junior B game. You will see it in underage and school's football. And creative football has died a death in this county.
That sense of adventure is gone. The creativity and pace. Going at another team. All of what we used to take for granted years ago in Donegal players is gone now. Just look at the pace at which we played the game last Sunday.
We began with a good enough plan to hold possesion against the breeze and to frustrate Kerry. It was all going well while we were winning the kickouts but once Kerry started to win breaks the wheels came quickly off. Once they got the ball they went at us at pace using accurate kick passes quite a lot to open up space. They were well worth their lead at half time. We went back to the football that we played for the last fifteen minutes against Mayo where Patton got more touches than anybody else and him playing at walking pace. We invited Kerry on and they took full advantage.
Then with the wind and the elements at our backs it was up to us to go at them and have a right cut at it. But how do you expect players who play a dull style of club football day in and day out to suddenly flick a switch?
Any talent in the county at the moment is being stifled and we are away behind other teams in the case of having fast pacy and creative players who can open teams up."
Odhran Mac Niallas one of the most creative and naturally gifted players I have ever seen stepped away for county football, it's easy to see why from a football perspective, it's hard to call the game we play in Donegal football, it's more like basketball and a bit of volleyball added when they palm in a goal,
the club game is much the same, I suppose it comes down to people not caring how they win, and the end result is we end up playing this rubbish county wide.
The county management have the pick of the whole county to select from, there is no excuse for the county team to play any way other than how they are instructed to play by the management, if they are not 'playing ball' pardon the pun then they get dropped,
Lockjaw said managers live and die by their results, I think any objective observer would agree that Bonner has had more than a fair chance and has repeatedly failed to move us forward, we are hanging on to div 1 and being somewhere in the top ten teams because of the quality of the players we have and in spite of how they are being managed.
If you fail to learn from the past you are doomed to repeat it, we need better management to give these players the best chance to win possible,

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3338 - 23/02/2022 13:56:23    2402075

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We can be critical of the current setup but being honest anyone trying to say that Odhrán not being involved is down to Declan and the style of play haven't a clue and I'll say no more on that.

JoeSoap (Donegal) - Posts: 1432 - 23/02/2022 16:04:57    2402100

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Replying To SurelyToGod:  "There are many posters in this thread who are evidently passionate about Donegal men's senior team, but I must say reading the comments that a large minority of you just don't get it. The sport, the organisation, the players, the people. You just don't. Signing out."
Sorry if it's me you mean. But I am passionate about the county team.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2643 - 23/02/2022 16:15:22    2402104

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Replying To JoeSoap:  "We can be critical of the current setup but being honest anyone trying to say that Odhrán not being involved is down to Declan and the style of play haven't a clue and I'll say no more on that."
Ì know it's not the main reason Mac Niallas isn't involved but playing the type of rubbish we are playing now surely doesn't encourage creative players like him to play county football for Donegal.
Tyrone Saturday night hope we can put up a good show at home at least, I'm expecting the same oul hand passing lateral backwards rubbish from us again though, it's live on RTE as well so the whole country will get a good look at it this dire embarrassing rubbish

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3338 - 23/02/2022 17:22:21    2402123

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Replying To Tirchonaill1:  "Ì know it's not the main reason Mac Niallas isn't involved but playing the type of rubbish we are playing now surely doesn't encourage creative players like him to play county football for Donegal.
Tyrone Saturday night hope we can put up a good show at home at least, I'm expecting the same oul hand passing lateral backwards rubbish from us again though, it's live on RTE as well so the whole country will get a good look at it this dire embarrassing rubbish"
No doubt you'll be watching it on rte. if we win I'll not be one bit embarrassed . Are you expecting a spectacle or what it's is winter football you know.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2643 - 23/02/2022 17:29:25    2402124

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Replying To JoeSoap:  "Fair enough and I agree with you on Ryan and McBrearty. I also wasn't expecting a win, far from it especially when I saw the two teams that were playing, but dhia I expected a little more than what we got. To address another point you made about no movement from the forwards on Sunday I agree with that too, but I suppose my frustration here is either the management aren't getting that message to the players or, worse, the players are getting the message but aren't listening and just ignoring it.

It was a rotten day and a lot of our lads looked very leggy as well but I was just disappointed by the manner of that 2nd half, and I feel like how we finished Mayo and Kildare matches coupled with that 2nd half, conditions or no, that's a worry to me going forward.

Of course we can't really afford to be missing the lads we are missing, but it feels like this has been the story every year for a long time now. But I've more of an issue with that slow lateral style of play than I do with losing a match when we're missing a third of our starting team.

I don't mean to come off as overly negative it's not my nature, I've really enjoyed watching Conor O'Donnell so far this year and Jason McGee looks like he is starting to fill out and was playing great against Kildare and solid enough there on Sunday. The defence looks solid in my opinion as well. But it was septic stuff there on Sunday and I just thought how Kerry played vs how we did, both of us dealing with the same conditions, it was just a really stark contrast."
Donegal will still be there for Ulster, after two matches in league people were losing the run of themselves about Armagh, take O'Neill out of their team and what have they.Tyrone and Donegal to finish above Armagh in league.

Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2384 - 23/02/2022 19:37:40    2402142

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We're in year 5 of the Bonner regime and we have been regressing since the Cavan debacle 15 months ago. We are been treated to the pedestrian football that was synonymous with the latter part of the Gallagher reign. I travelled to Killarney last weekend more in hope than expectation. I couldn't believe what I witnessed in the second half. We were 7 down at halftime and I thought we might just throw caution to the wind in the second half. The lethargic, slow, non urgent type of football we seem to descend into all too often was way too prevalent for much of the game. Even some of the match ups, like putting Brennan on Sean o SE arguably Kerry's best player, no slight on Brennan but it was a poor match up. Despite the dross mcbrearty missed 2 kick able scores in the last 10 mins to that would have made it a four point game. Along with the form of langan , I think mccole has been a revelation at full back so far, he was our standout last Sunday.apart from Bonner who seems to get the blame when we play poorly, and it's rochford who's responsible for when we play well, I would love to know what rochford has brought to the party?

totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 1113 - 23/02/2022 21:09:11    2402149

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Looks like Langan, Murphy, Brennan and McGonagle are all out. I worry about our attacking threat. We'll need big games from everyone but particularly Gallen and Paddy. It would be a big two points in terms of confidence if we can beat Tyrone minus a few key players. Not to mention it would almost certainly secure our Div 1 status. Easier said than done of course.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9884 - 24/02/2022 08:46:15    2402154

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Replying To totalrecall:  "We're in year 5 of the Bonner regime and we have been regressing since the Cavan debacle 15 months ago. We are been treated to the pedestrian football that was synonymous with the latter part of the Gallagher reign. I travelled to Killarney last weekend more in hope than expectation. I couldn't believe what I witnessed in the second half. We were 7 down at halftime and I thought we might just throw caution to the wind in the second half. The lethargic, slow, non urgent type of football we seem to descend into all too often was way too prevalent for much of the game. Even some of the match ups, like putting Brennan on Sean o SE arguably Kerry's best player, no slight on Brennan but it was a poor match up. Despite the dross mcbrearty missed 2 kick able scores in the last 10 mins to that would have made it a four point game. Along with the form of langan , I think mccole has been a revelation at full back so far, he was our standout last Sunday.apart from Bonner who seems to get the blame when we play poorly, and it's rochford who's responsible for when we play well, I would love to know what rochford has brought to the party?"
Agree completely, it's always Bonner's fault if we lose a game and nobody mentions Rochford. He has to have input to how the team plays. If he has no input then what's he doing here and why are the county board paying a fortune in travelling expenses to have him involved.

greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 710 - 24/02/2022 11:34:54    2402183

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Replying To greenfan:  "Agree completely, it's always Bonner's fault if we lose a game and nobody mentions Rochford. He has to have input to how the team plays. If he has no input then what's he doing here and why are the county board paying a fortune in travelling expenses to have him involved."
I already said the same I am struggling as to what part of this Rochford has as that style of play you wouldn't associate with him. However he's not coaching the club teams or LYIT I presume? The latter very much played the same overly systematic style of play.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2883 - 24/02/2022 12:23:50    2402197

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Replying To greenfan:  "Agree completely, it's always Bonner's fault if we lose a game and nobody mentions Rochford. He has to have input to how the team plays. If he has no input then what's he doing here and why are the county board paying a fortune in travelling expenses to have him involved."
People always blame their own it is an Irish thing. From the start there were people against Bonner wanting him to fail. Sad really when you consider what he has given Donegal football. Funny thing from being at games I don't really hear the anti Bonner brigade but il tell you if I did I wudnt be shy in responding. For a start people think I'm a na Rosa man but I'm far from it. I've met Bonner through work and he's a proper gentleman even taking time out to get autographs from the players for my two boys. And. Always being approachable.. keep her lit Declan hopefully we'll get a good run with injuries and get a good chance at it.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2643 - 24/02/2022 12:38:45    2402200

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Replying To panamasam:  "I already said the same I am struggling as to what part of this Rochford has as that style of play you wouldn't associate with him. However he's not coaching the club teams or LYIT I presume? The latter very much played the same overly systematic style of play."
Every club team in Donegal play the same way and you then have n Conal probably the worst culprits supporter on here gavingout about the way we play. Club football in Donegal is such a bore . As I said you need a proper full forward line to play an expansive game. We need ball winners like Murphy and then have inside forwards like Jamie and Oisin. At the moment two of them are injured so what do you do. Do you play non ball winners inside and keep giving away possession.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2643 - 24/02/2022 13:14:42    2402208

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Jaysus you Donegal followers need to calm down it's winter football and the month of February surely you don't think Donegal will perform like this come championship time you have some of the finest footballers in Ireland who are the envy of most county's your still one of the top four or five teams in the country for gods sake as we keep saying in Cavan keep the faith.

[email protected] (Cavan) - Posts: 138 - 24/02/2022 13:35:51    2402212

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Just wondering in order to help protect football from itself should they ban a team from passing it to their keeper from open play.
An antidote to lateral, backward playing, possession based football is the full court press that mayo do so well. When you do that and turn the ball over close to goal if often leads to a score. Kerry did plenty of it on Sunday as well. Good use of the keeper can limit the effectiveness of the press so removing the keeper as an option forces team to move more up the field and potentially to use the kick pass more as well.

I'd really want football to move away from the drudgery of the way football can be played and particularly Donegal club football. It doesn't seem like enough managers have the ambition to move away so more needs to be done with the rules.

To be honest I despaired a little when one of the pundits/managers reckoned that donegal club football was the leading the way tactically when eunans played glen. If that kind of football is deemed to leading the way tactically I think I'd rather be at the back of the queue tactically. It was also maybe a little strange to hear that the lyit players discovered by accident that kicking the ball into Joel bradley-Walsh was an effective tactic against ul. God forbid kicking into the talented big man at full forward.

Based on the last few years the county team has certainly not been the leading culprit with this kind of football. Though based on playing that style from club football players are going to be more comfortable playing like that.

Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 902 - 24/02/2022 14:00:31    2402218

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Looks like Langan, Murphy, Brennan and McGonagle are all out. I worry about our attacking threat. We'll need big games from everyone but particularly Gallen and Paddy. It would be a big two points in terms of confidence if we can beat Tyrone minus a few key players. Not to mention it would almost certainly secure our Div 1 status. Easier said than done of course."
Tyrone no great shakes at the minute. Can't see the red card four all making an appearance so they're there for the taking. Of course Tyrone will be a different animal in 6 weeks time when they've got their wagon back on the road. At the minute it's half on half off. Tyrone v Donegal always a down to the wire game.

border Gael (Monaghan) - Posts: 920 - 24/02/2022 14:24:36    2402225

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If you look at the way Corofin and Mayo played with Rocford in charge it seems clear to me that he has very little say in to how we are setting up, I'd imagine Rochford is as dismayed as anyone at how Donegal are trying to play football now.
This has gone on too long and it isn't going to change under Bonner far as I can see, maybe he should step aside and Rocford should be appointed manager?
what does declansboy think of that idea?

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3338 - 24/02/2022 14:39:51    2402228

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County chairman is closer to Bonner on sideline than Rochford.

erneboys (Fermanagh) - Posts: 52 - 24/02/2022 15:35:53    2402240

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Replying To Tirchonaill1:  "If you look at the way Corofin and Mayo played with Rocford in charge it seems clear to me that he has very little say in to how we are setting up, I'd imagine Rochford is as dismayed as anyone at how Donegal are trying to play football now.
This has gone on too long and it isn't going to change under Bonner far as I can see, maybe he should step aside and Rocford should be appointed manager?
what does declansboy think of that idea?"
Wee question whatever your called what kind of team would you put out Saturday night. This is to find out your knowledge or lack of it of football. I asked a few posters a question but very few come back with an answer. Because as a man said to me lately the keyboard warriors know nothing about football, they usually sit in a pub watching a game annoying everybody I would say that's you to a tee. A few boys on Facebook last Sunday after the game one of them managed his club third team ant the other played a few years and doesn't go to matches even to support his club. Sad lives and they have all the answers.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2643 - 24/02/2022 16:05:08    2402246

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Let's get behind the team on Saturday night. If the team is passing it sideways /keeping the ball, relax. Trust the process especially with our main men missing. If we get bet out the gate, frustration can be expressed after the match. The players don't need additional pressure on Sat evening and I think we'll probably win on Sat, but in this case performance is the most important. Not the points.

We're missing half our team, Murphy, Langan, Brennan, Mc Gonagle, Neil Mc Gee maybe even Mc Clenahan. Add to the list Mc Menamin, O Baoill, Hughie, Niall, Gallan etc who are not fully fit and have only played bit part lately. Add then young lads like Shane O Donnell, Conor O Donnell, Rory O Donnell who are getting experience. Whatever happens Saturday relax. Id rather lose by 12 points on Sat and beat them when it matters later in the year, when our full team is out.

TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1208 - 24/02/2022 16:25:20    2402248

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Replying To TheRock2121:  "Let's get behind the team on Saturday night. If the team is passing it sideways /keeping the ball, relax. Trust the process especially with our main men missing. If we get bet out the gate, frustration can be expressed after the match. The players don't need additional pressure on Sat evening and I think we'll probably win on Sat, but in this case performance is the most important. Not the points.

We're missing half our team, Murphy, Langan, Brennan, Mc Gonagle, Neil Mc Gee maybe even Mc Clenahan. Add to the list Mc Menamin, O Baoill, Hughie, Niall, Gallan etc who are not fully fit and have only played bit part lately. Add then young lads like Shane O Donnell, Conor O Donnell, Rory O Donnell who are getting experience. Whatever happens Saturday relax. Id rather lose by 12 points on Sat and beat them when it matters later in the year, when our full team is out."
Good post. Go there and support the team, this is our county team . Players and management deserve it no doubt these people are ploughing away in convoy as we speak.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2643 - 24/02/2022 16:50:16    2402250

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