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Donegal GAA thread

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Replying To gunman:  "Top level managers.Who are they.Was McGuinness a top level manager when he took over first.Most people want a home manager and none of them will be a so called top level manager but like McGuinness they could become one but you just don't know.People complaining about the process being too quick this time were no doubt complaining about how long it took the last time."
The reason people are complaining about the process being too quick this time is because it's the same people in charge that made such a mess last time. An executive that have a no confidence motion pending.

greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 624 - 01/07/2023 15:37:13    2491053

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Martin Regan would have to be considered if he's willing. A great record at club level. He'll know who's who in the club scene, at least in the division they're operating in. Jim took the u21s to an all Ireland final and overachieved with Naomh Conaill. That's the kind of stuff you want to have as a non negotiable on a candidate's cv at this level.

StockholmGael (Donegal) - Posts: 143 - 01/07/2023 17:01:20    2491069

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Replying To StockholmGael:  "Martin Regan would have to be considered if he's willing. A great record at club level. He'll know who's who in the club scene, at least in the division they're operating in. Jim took the u21s to an all Ireland final and overachieved with Naomh Conaill. That's the kind of stuff you want to have as a non negotiable on a candidate's cv at this level."
Why should he be considered?? Have you ever watched naomh conaill play, nothing against him or naomh conaill it works for them, they're successful and good luck to them, but we need to be moving away from that at county level if we want to be successful.

totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 1047 - 02/07/2023 15:18:08    2491348

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Replying To greenfan:  "The reason people are complaining about the process being too quick this time is because it's the same people in charge that made such a mess last time. An executive that have a no confidence motion pending."
There will be nothing quick about this process giving the clowns that are involved in it.

totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 1047 - 02/07/2023 15:20:47    2491349

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Replying To totalrecall:  "Why should he be considered?? Have you ever watched naomh conaill play, nothing against him or naomh conaill it works for them, they're successful and good luck to them, but we need to be moving away from that at county level if we want to be successful."
I think he should be considered based on his consistent success as a manager, something we've overlooked as a requirement in several past appointments. Yes, we could argue that we don't like his style of play but if we argue that, we'd probably never appoint a club manager from Donegal as they all play the same style. Just because Naomh Conaill use this system, doesn't necessarily mean that he would use the same system if he managed the county. He most likely uses this system because of an amalgamation of the league and championship his team plays in as well as the players at his disposal. The league and championship he would be involved in if he was Donegal manager would be different, in addition to having a greater variety of talent and skill-set in the players he would have at his disposal. The county board could also dictate that it be a requirement that he plays a system or tactic that is not commonplace in the county club scene. I'm not from the Naomh Conaill area, nor am I anti-Naomh Conaill as I know some folk are for their own reasons, but I'm a Donegal supporter and I believe we should be putting parish rivalries and begrudgeries well aside when drawing up a list of candidates to further the cause of the county and remain open to change without it veering into the absurd that has got us into the particular mess of managerial appointments pre and post 2011.

StockholmGael (Donegal) - Posts: 143 - 02/07/2023 15:59:20    2491368

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Replying To gunman:  "Top level managers.Who are they.Was McGuinness a top level manager when he took over first.Most people want a home manager and none of them will be a so called top level manager but like McGuinness they could become one but you just don't know.People complaining about the process being too quick this time were no doubt complaining about how long it took the last time."
Its not just a manager anymore, its a solid management team that is needed and Michael Boyle from Termon is a highly rated coach who personally I would like to see involved with Donegal at both Senior and Academy level.

Martin Regan ruled himself out, I don't think Rory Kavanagh is interested, Jim McGuinness isn't interested (Unless he agrees a 1 year temporary deal while waiting for a Soccer role) and Michael Murphy isn't interested at present due to his work and commitments.

Maybe Leo McLoone & his U20 Management team might be interested? But are they experienced enough yet? I don't honestly know, but if they had Michael Boyle and maybe Frank McGlynn involved it could become a powerful management team.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1332 - 03/07/2023 08:35:09    2491639

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Replying To StockholmGael:  "Martin Regan would have to be considered if he's willing. A great record at club level. He'll know who's who in the club scene, at least in the division they're operating in. Jim took the u21s to an all Ireland final and overachieved with Naomh Conaill. That's the kind of stuff you want to have as a non negotiable on a candidate's cv at this level."
The problem at the moment is that we do not have obvious candidates readily waiting in the wings, not unless Karl Lacey wanted to take the hot seat himself and form a supporting team. It doesn't seem to be the right time for the likes of Michael Murphy, Rory Kavanagh, Martin Regan etc.

Ideally you want a manager and team who are eagerly waiting in the wings, who have a pre-conceived plan already prepared for which direction they wish to take the team in. I'm talking about a management team with a clear vision of tactical direction of the team, like how to improve the defensive setup, improve our kick-out strategy when teams push up on us and improve our attacking plays, become more creative and versatile.

I know if I was Donegal manager I have a fairly good idea of my starting team and bench.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1332 - 03/07/2023 08:43:26    2491640

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What did you all make of the weekend's action? It's clear that Dublin & Kerry are a level ahead of the rest and will contest the final in all likelihood. I think Monaghan deserve great credit and are a fantastic example for every other county in Ireland to follow. Armagh will not reach their full potential under McGeeney. I don't know how many more chances he'll be given with them. Cork had a decent campaign and could be a team to watch in 2024 if they can build momentum. Derry are very well organised and fit. But against the very best teams I still think they'll come up short. They'll make things awkward for Kerry but I'd say the men from the Kingdom will prevail.

It got me thinking. How far away are we? It may be wishful thinking - but assuming we do get a good managerial team in place, and we get a better run of luck without any injuries, are the likes of Monaghan, Cork, Armagh, Tyrone, Mayo..even Derry really that far ahead of us? I don't think so. With a proper bank of fitness and conditioning work done, and some variety to our tactics there is no reason why we should not be targetting being a last 8 team in 2024 in my opinion.

The key of course will be getting things done competently and efficiently in the next few weeks. Watch this space I suppose.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9738 - 03/07/2023 10:27:57    2491696

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Regan doesn't want it so that's him gone. Just on the process last year, the board went and got a good man, but then he threw the toys out of the pram after the county final. The board can be blamed for a lot of things, but that shouldn't be one of them.

We may forget about Jim, he seems to have zero interest in making a commitment to it.

SignTheContract (Donegal) - Posts: 197 - 03/07/2023 10:31:10    2491699

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Is it even wise looking for a manager at the minute with so much uncertainty around the county board? Any management team the current county board put in place is hardly likely to have the backing of everyone.

Green_Gold (Donegal) - Posts: 1906 - 03/07/2023 10:57:59    2491716

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Replying To StockholmGael:  "I think he should be considered based on his consistent success as a manager, something we've overlooked as a requirement in several past appointments. Yes, we could argue that we don't like his style of play but if we argue that, we'd probably never appoint a club manager from Donegal as they all play the same style. Just because Naomh Conaill use this system, doesn't necessarily mean that he would use the same system if he managed the county. He most likely uses this system because of an amalgamation of the league and championship his team plays in as well as the players at his disposal. The league and championship he would be involved in if he was Donegal manager would be different, in addition to having a greater variety of talent and skill-set in the players he would have at his disposal. The county board could also dictate that it be a requirement that he plays a system or tactic that is not commonplace in the county club scene. I'm not from the Naomh Conaill area, nor am I anti-Naomh Conaill as I know some folk are for their own reasons, but I'm a Donegal supporter and I believe we should be putting parish rivalries and begrudgeries well aside when drawing up a list of candidates to further the cause of the county and remain open to change without it veering into the absurd that has got us into the particular mess of managerial appointments pre and post 2011."
Nothing to do with parish rivalries, hugely admire naomh conaill club and respect them, Martin Regan us a gentleman and no issue with him either. Our achilles heel at county level has been our slavish programming to defensive/ball retention/low risk/pedestrian paced football.

If we want to move forward and challenge again we need to move away from this. I would argue that teams like naomh conaill who have some tremendously talented players are not expansive enough, indeed this can also be applied to st eunans. Kilcar, Gaoth Dobhair, Micheal, aodh ruadh. Club football has become unwatchable in donegal. I would also put rory kavanagh in the same bracket has regan, their philosophies are too one dimensional.

I can't think of too many names within donegal tbh. I think we are looking at an outsider.

totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 1047 - 03/07/2023 11:21:50    2491727

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Jim said he was prepared to help out this year so I think he mightn manage but he would help out training the team..

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2609 - 03/07/2023 11:53:43    2491750

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The only club manager who would nearly be entitled to go for it is Martin R from Naomi Conaill. His record speaks for itself. Maybe Rory Kavanagh then. Won a Buncranna Cup and a championship. Gary Mc David would be another candidate based on his club record. Apart from that I don't see any internal candidates with any sort of proven record. I'm probably over looking someone so apologies if so.

If none of those want it, we are probably looking at a "name" who might bring in some good coaches with them.

Martin Mc Hugh for example. Not dismissing his own Ulster managerial win but the game has moved on. He would need modern coaches in to help.

Declan Bonner. Bring him back ? Things seemed to be working smoothly under him. Albeit I think four years is enough in a job and he had his chance and we are grateful for his efforts to win two Ulster Championships. He might unite the squad again and get lads back playing.

Lacey. Very highly thought of. More of a coach than a manger? Won't go back with current scenarios?

SP Barrett. Underage experience.

Leo. Managed the 20s last year. One for the future once he gains experience?

We could be getting an external candidate again.

All in all we aren't in a great situation when it comes to a pick. Whoever gets it they need to surround themselves with a very good coaching team.

TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1208 - 03/07/2023 12:18:29    2491762

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "What did you all make of the weekend's action? It's clear that Dublin & Kerry are a level ahead of the rest and will contest the final in all likelihood. I think Monaghan deserve great credit and are a fantastic example for every other county in Ireland to follow. Armagh will not reach their full potential under McGeeney. I don't know how many more chances he'll be given with them. Cork had a decent campaign and could be a team to watch in 2024 if they can build momentum. Derry are very well organised and fit. But against the very best teams I still think they'll come up short. They'll make things awkward for Kerry but I'd say the men from the Kingdom will prevail.

It got me thinking. How far away are we? It may be wishful thinking - but assuming we do get a good managerial team in place, and we get a better run of luck without any injuries, are the likes of Monaghan, Cork, Armagh, Tyrone, Mayo..even Derry really that far ahead of us? I don't think so. With a proper bank of fitness and conditioning work done, and some variety to our tactics there is no reason why we should not be targetting being a last 8 team in 2024 in my opinion.

The key of course will be getting things done competently and efficiently in the next few weeks. Watch this space I suppose."
Dublin v Mayo: I was a bit surprised at Mayo's 2nd half collapse against Dublin, as in the first half they looked the better side for long periods. Makes me wonder if the 2nd half was Dublin brilliance or Mayo collapse.

Kerry v Tyrone: Expected a tighter game tbh, but Kerry winning isn't a shock, just expected a bit more fight from Tyrone.

Armagh v Monaghan: Notoriously tight matches between both teams for the past few seasons, this turned out as expected again......Monaghan will be a handful for the Dubs, I think Dublin would have preferred Derry or Kerry, as it might have been easier to get motivated for those .

Derry v Cork: I thought Derry made hard work of this game, they could have pulled away a few times, but Cork were dogged and kept the score tight.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1332 - 03/07/2023 13:54:20    2491824

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Replying To Commodore:  "Dublin v Mayo: I was a bit surprised at Mayo's 2nd half collapse against Dublin, as in the first half they looked the better side for long periods. Makes me wonder if the 2nd half was Dublin brilliance or Mayo collapse.

Kerry v Tyrone: Expected a tighter game tbh, but Kerry winning isn't a shock, just expected a bit more fight from Tyrone.

Armagh v Monaghan: Notoriously tight matches between both teams for the past few seasons, this turned out as expected again......Monaghan will be a handful for the Dubs, I think Dublin would have preferred Derry or Kerry, as it might have been easier to get motivated for those .

Derry v Cork: I thought Derry made hard work of this game, they could have pulled away a few times, but Cork were dogged and kept the score tight."
There was great similarities between the way Tyrone and Mayo collapsed in the second half.Both invested a lot of mental and physical energy in the big Derby games the week before and when the going got tough they had nothing left and were very flat.The displays were nowhere near their true ability and perhaps made Dublin and Kerry look a bit better than they are. Despite how well conditioned teams are they are still amateurs and the county season is far too condensed and very unfair and that is without talking about handing over the shop window to other Sports for a good part of the summer.

gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1144 - 03/07/2023 15:52:04    2491891

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I'd a big long message typed out, but deleted it. Basically, I think we need to get is Malachy O'Rourke, along with a 2012 backroom team. I'm afraid Derry will have him bagged before we get our stuff together.

SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 763 - 03/07/2023 15:55:26    2491893

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Replying To SouthOfTheGap:  "I'd a big long message typed out, but deleted it. Basically, I think we need to get is Malachy O'Rourke, along with a 2012 backroom team. I'm afraid Derry will have him bagged before we get our stuff together."
Yeah I think MOR would be a great choice and have someone like Michael Boyle as his number two. We need a strong ticket who the players will respect and get fully behind.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9738 - 03/07/2023 16:17:20    2491901

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There was great similarities between the way Tyrone and Mayo collapsed in the second half.Both invested a lot of mental and physical energy in the big Derby games the week before and when the going got tough they had nothing left and were very flat.The displays were nowhere near their true ability and perhaps made Dublin and Kerry look a bit better than they are. Despite how well conditioned teams are they are still amateurs and the county season is far too condensed and very unfair and that is without talking about handing over the shop window to other Sports for a good part of the summer.
gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 961 - 03/07/2023 15:52:04

That's a very good that I never thought of, Tyrone and Mayo both played competitive games 6-7 days earlier against rivals in away grounds. Mayo in that first half looked to more than have the measure of Dublin, I felt they might pull away in the 2nd half, but Mayo seemed to fade badly in comparison to a fresher looking Dublin.

Like it wasn't that Dublin were that much stronger, I felt Mayo's decision making in the 2nd half was way off.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1332 - 03/07/2023 16:46:39    2491918

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Big concern for me is that all the focus seems to be on the new managerial appointment. Nobody anywhere talking about the county board or academy issues. I really hope the people who caused the mess don't get get away with it and end up staying in place because we'll get left further behind if change doesn't happen soon. Let's be honest, we're in division 2 , and we're not a million miles away from the tailteann cup if we don't get our house in order soon.

greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 624 - 03/07/2023 18:15:11    2491949

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Replying To gunman:  "
Replying To Commodore:  "Dublin v Mayo: I was a bit surprised at Mayo's 2nd half collapse against Dublin, as in the first half they looked the better side for long periods. Makes me wonder if the 2nd half was Dublin brilliance or Mayo collapse.

Kerry v Tyrone: Expected a tighter game tbh, but Kerry winning isn't a shock, just expected a bit more fight from Tyrone.

Armagh v Monaghan: Notoriously tight matches between both teams for the past few seasons, this turned out as expected again......Monaghan will be a handful for the Dubs, I think Dublin would have preferred Derry or Kerry, as it might have been easier to get motivated for those .

Derry v Cork: I thought Derry made hard work of this game, they could have pulled away a few times, but Cork were dogged and kept the score tight."
There was great similarities between the way Tyrone and Mayo collapsed in the second half.Both invested a lot of mental and physical energy in the big Derby games the week before and when the going got tough they had nothing left and were very flat.The displays were nowhere near their true ability and perhaps made Dublin and Kerry look a bit better than they are. Despite how well conditioned teams are they are still amateurs and the county season is far too condensed and very unfair and that is without talking about handing over the shop window to other Sports for a good part of the summer."
The point about playing a big Derby game the week before is valid in Mayo's case. They had a tough game against Galway. However, Tyrone would have had tougher training sessions than the game against Donegal.

greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 624 - 03/07/2023 18:34:22    2491955

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