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Donegal GAA thread

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Replying To panamasam:  "I could definitely see a few of that Tyrone under 17 be able to make the transition up. They had a couple of physically imposing lads for that age group and Tyrone being Tyrone will always have plenty of talent. Derry are the others who are bound to be strong and of course Monaghan. Keeping possession is fine when in front different story when chasing a game but we'll see how they get on. I know Grant was out but who else was/is injured?"
I don't know the panel though if you were looking at last year's team and the minors from three years ago then you'd be thinking of Eoin Dowling, Carlos O'Reilly, Richard O'Rourke and Jamie grant that you've mentioned

Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 904 - 08/03/2022 13:21:44    2404453

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Think I'm right in saying that if we win this weekend we're mathematically safe. I think the optimal outcome is if we can beat Monaghan without risking any of the likes of Murphy, Langan, Brennan etc. Then hopefully use the remaining couple of games to ease them back in depending on where they're at in terms of their recovery. I am by no means underestimating Monaghan though. They desperately need the points and as we've seen over the years they like nothing better than taking Donegal down a peg or two."
A win definitely makes Donegal safe alright. Monaghan have a bit of an Indian sign over Donegal. We have beat them but they've a good record against us. In contrast they've a much poorer record against Tyrone.

I see plenty Monaghan posters are enthused by banty the way some folks on here are enthused by Bonner. The team that played us in the league last year with a right good sprinkling of their up and coming players seems to have been moved away from up to now. That is creating annoyance. Also they were carrying plenty of injuries in the Kerry game. The fact that Kerry are also very good and very close to full strength washes over people a bit to be honest. Beggan won't be giving goals away this weekend either.

Monaghan will have to be full tilt and as I've mentioned will have zero hang ups about playing dinegal. That will increase the challenge for the younger Donegal players in particular.

Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 904 - 08/03/2022 13:39:29    2404458

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Replying To panamasam:  "I could definitely see a few of that Tyrone under 17 be able to make the transition up. They had a couple of physically imposing lads for that age group and Tyrone being Tyrone will always have plenty of talent. Derry are the others who are bound to be strong and of course Monaghan. Keeping possession is fine when in front different story when chasing a game but we'll see how they get on. I know Grant was out but who else was/is injured?"
There are 6-7 minors from last years panel on this years one. A couple of u16's have been added, including Jason Mc Gee's brother. They had a good win against Mayo and face a strong Cavan side this weekend. They had a few lads coming back from injury as far as I know.

donegaldouble (Donegal) - Posts: 321 - 08/03/2022 16:52:32    2404510

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Replying To donegaldouble:  "There are 6-7 minors from last years panel on this years one. A couple of u16's have been added, including Jason Mc Gee's brother. They had a good win against Mayo and face a strong Cavan side this weekend. They had a few lads coming back from injury as far as I know."
Thanks for that. Ya I knew Lorcan was starting but I haven't seen him play but have been told he's talented. They beat Fermanagh too right? Hopefully they have a good campaign. They had a good team last year just Tyrone were very good.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2883 - 08/03/2022 18:11:15    2404524

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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32:  "I don't know the panel though if you were looking at last year's team and the minors from three years ago then you'd be thinking of Eoin Dowling, Carlos O'Reilly, Richard O'Rourke and Jamie grant that you've mentioned"
I think Carlos played against Roscommon but I stand to be corrected. Eoin Dowling certainly a loss as is O'Rourke and obviously Grant. Be interesting to see how they get on but my hunch is they might be lacking an x factor forward or two.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2883 - 08/03/2022 18:13:55    2404525

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I see Donegal and Tyrone tossed a coin for the venue of the under 20 Leo Murphy final. It's on in the O'Donnell park in letterkenny on Saturday at 12.00. Tyrone must have won the toss.

Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 904 - 08/03/2022 20:47:59    2404538

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Replying To panamasam:  "Thanks for that. Ya I knew Lorcan was starting but I haven't seen him play but have been told he's talented. They beat Fermanagh too right? Hopefully they have a good campaign. They had a good team last year just Tyrone were very good."
Michael Hegartys young lad in with them too i believe, hopefully he's a chip of the old block!

peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1268 - 08/03/2022 22:01:40    2404548

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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32:  "I see Donegal and Tyrone tossed a coin for the venue of the under 20 Leo Murphy final. It's on in the O'Donnell park in letterkenny on Saturday at 12.00. Tyrone must have won the toss."
Ha ha brilliant. Its a big advantage the seniors having their 4 home league games in Ballybofey. What is it about Letterkenny that we can't win there? Its a great ground with a good pitch.

Green_Gold (Donegal) - Posts: 1919 - 09/03/2022 09:35:12    2404556

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Replying To Green_Gold:  "Ha ha brilliant. Its a big advantage the seniors having their 4 home league games in Ballybofey. What is it about Letterkenny that we can't win there? Its a great ground with a good pitch."
I wonder is it anything to do with the smell of the burgers wafting across the field? It certainly effects my concentration levels.

SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 841 - 09/03/2022 10:21:23    2404561

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Replying To panamasam:  "Thanks for that. Ya I knew Lorcan was starting but I haven't seen him play but have been told he's talented. They beat Fermanagh too right? Hopefully they have a good campaign. They had a good team last year just Tyrone were very good."
Yeah they won 2-13 to 0-07 i think. There were a couple of good performances from the minors. Gildea from Glenswilly has improved a lot and was a handful. Mc Ginty from Mac Cumhaills was outstanding at half forward. Whole team did well, but to honest Fermanagh weren't great. Long from Glenfin and Martin from mac Cumhaills should be back to full fitness for the Cavan game.

donegaldouble (Donegal) - Posts: 321 - 09/03/2022 12:11:07    2404594

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Replying To Green_Gold:  "Ha ha brilliant. Its a big advantage the seniors having their 4 home league games in Ballybofey. What is it about Letterkenny that we can't win there? Its a great ground with a good pitch."
I've no idea on this. It's not even that it's marginal disadvantage. We lose far more than we win. The pitch is great especially when you consider the amount of rain it takes. It was down for an award a few years ago. The hurlers always play there presumably because of the better surface. Maybe only playing in it as a team once a year reduces familiarity. Mccumhaill park is a natural field and Donegal are familiar with it and other teams would not be.
The last match against Armagh is scheduled for letterkenny. With ballyshannon being resurfaced there was no match there this year. Our ballyshannon record is very good.

Though in fairness to them it's great that eunans have such a good set up. Say when mccumhaill park is resurfaced it can be used as alternative. Mayo are traveling all over Connacht for their home games.

Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 904 - 09/03/2022 13:39:31    2404614

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Replying To donegaldouble:  "Yeah they won 2-13 to 0-07 i think. There were a couple of good performances from the minors. Gildea from Glenswilly has improved a lot and was a handful. Mc Ginty from Mac Cumhaills was outstanding at half forward. Whole team did well, but to honest Fermanagh weren't great. Long from Glenfin and Martin from mac Cumhaills should be back to full fitness for the Cavan game."
Thanks for the info much appreciated especially given all the cancellations of the last couple of years leading to a situation where we're a bit in the dark about where we are at at minor level. Hopefully they have a good year and are allowed some freedom to express themselves on the pitch rather than completely relying on systematic patterns of play.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2883 - 09/03/2022 14:10:49    2404627

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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32:  "I've no idea on this. It's not even that it's marginal disadvantage. We lose far more than we win. The pitch is great especially when you consider the amount of rain it takes. It was down for an award a few years ago. The hurlers always play there presumably because of the better surface. Maybe only playing in it as a team once a year reduces familiarity. Mccumhaill park is a natural field and Donegal are familiar with it and other teams would not be.
The last match against Armagh is scheduled for letterkenny. With ballyshannon being resurfaced there was no match there this year. Our ballyshannon record is very good.

Though in fairness to them it's great that eunans have such a good set up. Say when mccumhaill park is resurfaced it can be used as alternative. Mayo are traveling all over Connacht for their home games."
All games should be in Ballybofey!!!!!

ifindoubt (Donegal) - Posts: 133 - 09/03/2022 15:08:12    2404639

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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32:  "A win definitely makes Donegal safe alright. Monaghan have a bit of an Indian sign over Donegal. We have beat them but they've a good record against us. In contrast they've a much poorer record against Tyrone.

I see plenty Monaghan posters are enthused by banty the way some folks on here are enthused by Bonner. The team that played us in the league last year with a right good sprinkling of their up and coming players seems to have been moved away from up to now. That is creating annoyance. Also they were carrying plenty of injuries in the Kerry game. The fact that Kerry are also very good and very close to full strength washes over people a bit to be honest. Beggan won't be giving goals away this weekend either.

Monaghan will have to be full tilt and as I've mentioned will have zero hang ups about playing dinegal. That will increase the challenge for the younger Donegal players in particular."
I think the Indian sign is gone, we've beaten them in Championship a few times in recent years and in reality they are just another really good Ulster side who usually bring serious intensity and hunger and have our measure. Monaghan have been really unlucky against Tyrone in the last 10 years, in many of those games I thought they were better than Tyrone.

I agree about Kerry, despite the League Sunday panel bumming them up relentlessly along with Mayo, they failed to acknowledge that Kerry and Mayo are two of the few sides playing at almost full strength and full fitness. Most other sides have senior players injured or not match fit yet or are testing out new talent, whereas most of Kerrys key players and Mayo's with exception of Tommy Conroy are all available and at various levels of fitness.

Looking at Donegal for example, we have been missing Michael Murphy, Jamie Brennan, Michael Langan, Caolan McGonigle for most League games so far, we had Niall O'Donnell, Stephen McMenamin, Hugh McFadden and Oisin Gallen returning late from injuries and not at match fitness yet. That is a big chuck of our key players either missing or not near match fitness yet, I think if those players return and we near full strength, nevermind Tyrone, Kerry or Mayo, I think we could be a very different beast for the first time in 3 or 4 years.

Donegal for SAM 2022

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1419 - 09/03/2022 17:20:44    2404659

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Replying To Rolo2010:  "Maybe don't comment on other sports then. Stick to football."
When I go to a gaa game and it draws similarities to another sport I'll comment on it. I call it as a see it and I know lot dont agree. I've been following dgl over 40 years so think I have right to an opinion on way I think they are playing.

marty234 (Donegal) - Posts: 158 - 09/03/2022 20:04:45    2404694

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Replying To panamasam:  "Thanks for the info much appreciated especially given all the cancellations of the last couple of years leading to a situation where we're a bit in the dark about where we are at at minor level. Hopefully they have a good year and are allowed some freedom to express themselves on the pitch rather than completely relying on systematic patterns of play."
fairly sure they won't be allowed to play with freedom with the current manager in place. If it's anything like the last couple years at minor, too much emphasis on fitness and defensive football with the more skillful players overlooked

greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 712 - 10/03/2022 14:31:25    2404783

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Replying To marty234:  "When I go to a gaa game and it draws similarities to another sport I'll comment on it. I call it as a see it and I know lot dont agree. I've been following dgl over 40 years so think I have right to an opinion on way I think they are playing."
You were wrong about rugby league though. It's not a defensive sport at all. Unless you are referring to passing backwards but that's a stupid comparison because once again it is two different sports.

Rolo2010 (Donegal) - Posts: 746 - 10/03/2022 15:35:54    2404802

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Replying To Commodore:  "I think the Indian sign is gone, we've beaten them in Championship a few times in recent years and in reality they are just another really good Ulster side who usually bring serious intensity and hunger and have our measure. Monaghan have been really unlucky against Tyrone in the last 10 years, in many of those games I thought they were better than Tyrone.

I agree about Kerry, despite the League Sunday panel bumming them up relentlessly along with Mayo, they failed to acknowledge that Kerry and Mayo are two of the few sides playing at almost full strength and full fitness. Most other sides have senior players injured or not match fit yet or are testing out new talent, whereas most of Kerrys key players and Mayo's with exception of Tommy Conroy are all available and at various levels of fitness.

Looking at Donegal for example, we have been missing Michael Murphy, Jamie Brennan, Michael Langan, Caolan McGonigle for most League games so far, we had Niall O'Donnell, Stephen McMenamin, Hugh McFadden and Oisin Gallen returning late from injuries and not at match fitness yet. That is a big chuck of our key players either missing or not near match fitness yet, I think if those players return and we near full strength, nevermind Tyrone, Kerry or Mayo, I think we could be a very different beast for the first time in 3 or 4 years.

Donegal for SAM 2022"
Your statement on Mayo being full strength is a good bit wide of the mark. I'm not even sure the Dubs in full rebuilding mode have used more players in the first 4 games, so no settled Mayo side. Plus no Cillian O'Connor, Mark Moran, Tommy Conroy (no games from any of them and all would be starters if fit), Jason Doherty (gone again, another starter), and Enda Hession, David McBrien and Brendan Harrison all back on the bench for Sunday but having missed some to all of the games so far. I don't doubt that Donegal without Murphy and Langan are not the same team, but there's hardly a side out there that doesn't have to contend with some injuries. Mayo also had some players who missed games due unavailability, such as Ruane (2 games), Mullin (2 games) and Paddy Durcan (1 game). Eoghan McLaughlin is also absent now, presumed injured, having played just two games. Mayo even needed to change goalie last time out, so plenty of disruption. I can only think of 4 Mayo players who've started all 4 games, obviously not all of it forced on the selectors, but also far from a full hand.

Kerry do appear so far to have been able to pick consistently from a settled panel, but these things tend to run in spates and they too will likely face challenges as the season progresses, unless they're entirely blessed.

Pericles (Mayo) - Posts: 2521 - 10/03/2022 17:26:38    2404825

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Replying To Pericles:  "Your statement on Mayo being full strength is a good bit wide of the mark. I'm not even sure the Dubs in full rebuilding mode have used more players in the first 4 games, so no settled Mayo side. Plus no Cillian O'Connor, Mark Moran, Tommy Conroy (no games from any of them and all would be starters if fit), Jason Doherty (gone again, another starter), and Enda Hession, David McBrien and Brendan Harrison all back on the bench for Sunday but having missed some to all of the games so far. I don't doubt that Donegal without Murphy and Langan are not the same team, but there's hardly a side out there that doesn't have to contend with some injuries. Mayo also had some players who missed games due unavailability, such as Ruane (2 games), Mullin (2 games) and Paddy Durcan (1 game). Eoghan McLaughlin is also absent now, presumed injured, having played just two games. Mayo even needed to change goalie last time out, so plenty of disruption. I can only think of 4 Mayo players who've started all 4 games, obviously not all of it forced on the selectors, but also far from a full hand.

Kerry do appear so far to have been able to pick consistently from a settled panel, but these things tend to run in spates and they too will likely face challenges as the season progresses, unless they're entirely blessed."
Hasn't cillian O'Connor picked another Achilles injury? Won't see game time in 2022 unfortunately

totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 1115 - 10/03/2022 19:17:19    2404845

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Replying To greenfan:  "fairly sure they won't be allowed to play with freedom with the current manager in place. If it's anything like the last couple years at minor, too much emphasis on fitness and defensive football with the more skillful players overlooked"
I'm not sure I agree with that. Last year Donegal Minors were beaten by Tyrone in the Ulster Final. Tyrone players were huge in comparison to the Donegal players. Obviously a lot of S and C was done. Tyrone went on to all Ireland final. Donegal played some good football last year, Mc Glynn from Glenfin and Mc Cormack from Mac Cumhaills and a Downings lad (can't remember his name) all scoring freely.
As far as I know, they held multiple trials/training sessions and any manager could send forward anyone they thought was of the standard.

donegaldouble (Donegal) - Posts: 321 - 11/03/2022 09:42:47    2404863

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