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Donegal GAA thread

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Replying To GAAmanDNG:  "what exactly did mcbrearty do to get the red card - did he actually swing at someone or did he just inject himself into the row which resulted in a few more seconds of handbags and pushing. Was hard to see from my angle."
He was the 'third man in' which is viewed as potentially contributing to a melee. Odhran Doherty and McKinless were grappling with each other and Paddy came in a hit McKinless with a shoulder.

It was very silly for a player of Paddy's experience especially now as he is captain as well. I'm all for standing up for your teammates but he should have known better.

If it was league or championship it could have proved very costly. I just wonder how that suspension carries now? Is it confined to the McKenna Cup does anyone know?

peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1006 - 21/01/2024 07:16:15    2521228

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Replying To Whestofthewest:  "balls! fair enough we all know from various sources jim has them fit, fitness will win club games but every county team is fit and donegal just dont have the players, couldnt even compete with the glenn lads in derry missing"
I would look again at both starting lineups last night, apart from Conor Glass and maybe Ciaran McFaul, Derry were close to full strength last night, well the spine of their team was close to full strength in that they had McKaigue, McKinless, Rogers, McGuigan etc.

Donegal fielded a weakened or certainly less experienced side, missing the spine of the normal Championship team with Shaun Patton, Brendan McCole, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Michael Langan, Jason McGee, Hugh McFadden, Niall O'Donnell and Conor O'Donnell all missing.

Derry dominated midfield the whole game, both their kickouts and our kickouts, which didn't surprise me as Caolan McGonigle was playing CHB and it was very young and inexperienced midfield pairing. This allowed them primary possession and they hold possession really well and could have won by a lot more.

From a Donegal perspective, this game will probably prove extremely useful to McGuinness in that he got a good look at Derry and how a lot of players performed, what worked and what didn't.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1193 - 21/01/2024 11:03:51    2521245

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Replying To peiledoir20:  "He was the 'third man in' which is viewed as potentially contributing to a melee. Odhran Doherty and McKinless were grappling with each other and Paddy came in a hit McKinless with a shoulder.

It was very silly for a player of Paddy's experience especially now as he is captain as well. I'm all for standing up for your teammates but he should have known better.

If it was league or championship it could have proved very costly. I just wonder how that suspension carries now? Is it confined to the McKenna Cup does anyone know?"
I think its confined to McKenna Cup, Jim said after the game last night that it won't impact the league.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1193 - 21/01/2024 11:05:03    2521246

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Replying To ForeverBlue2:  "Don't get carried away…. Donegal will not become anything because Mc Guinness is back…"
Will be much fitter, organised and have their strongest available panel to them this year would be foolish for anyone to think McGuinness back wont improve Donegal. And 2025 they should improve further again.

Gaa_lover (USA) - Posts: 3479 - 21/01/2024 11:07:59    2521247

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Replying To greenfan:  "The reality is that McBrearty isn't able to contribute scores as an inside forward any more. He's being accommodated out the field but in reality he provides nothing to the team that a hard working average player couldn't"
Unfortunately Its hard to argue with that based on recent stats, but he is still starting every game and playing the full games usually, so maybe they are getting game time into him, so maybe he is lacking match fitness or recovering from an injury.

However In know from the last few seasons he is too predictable in trying to get shooting on his left peg, and easy to take out of games, like he isn't usually winning one on one match ups anymore, so something isn't right.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1193 - 21/01/2024 11:16:26    2521252

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Replying To Gaa_lover:  "Will be much fitter, organised and have their strongest available panel to them this year would be foolish for anyone to think McGuinness back wont improve Donegal. And 2025 they should improve further again."
I think Jim McGuinness gained much more from last nights game than Mickey Harte, although admittedly a lot of things didn't go to plan, he still learned a lot more.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1193 - 21/01/2024 11:32:27    2521254

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Replying To Commodore:  "I would look again at both starting lineups last night, apart from Conor Glass and maybe Ciaran McFaul, Derry were close to full strength last night, well the spine of their team was close to full strength in that they had McKaigue, McKinless, Rogers, McGuigan etc.

Donegal fielded a weakened or certainly less experienced side, missing the spine of the normal Championship team with Shaun Patton, Brendan McCole, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Michael Langan, Jason McGee, Hugh McFadden, Niall O'Donnell and Conor O'Donnell all missing.

Derry dominated midfield the whole game, both their kickouts and our kickouts, which didn't surprise me as Caolan McGonigle was playing CHB and it was very young and inexperienced midfield pairing. This allowed them primary possession and they hold possession really well and could have won by a lot more.

From a Donegal perspective, this game will probably prove extremely useful to McGuinness in that he got a good look at Derry and how a lot of players performed, what worked and what didn't."
Agree with all that. I'd add McColgan as a starter in April too.

WeGoAgain (Donegal) - Posts: 51 - 21/01/2024 11:53:24    2521256

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Derry with missing three serious players in Doherty, Mc Faul and Glass. It's going to be tough in April

TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1193 - 21/01/2024 12:16:26    2521260

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Disappointing result last night but certainly not one to be getting too carried away with at this time of the year. Derry dominated midfield and from there they were able to control possession. It's hard to imagine it'll be so one sided in that area in a few months time even with Glass to come back for them. Defensively we were ok but there was a definite drop off in the second half. Derry were able to hold onto possession with little pressure something I don't see happening in a couple of months time. Gallen was well marshalled and didn't bring his shooting boots in any event. Paddy like others alluded to was ineffective much like the forwards on display last night bar a great score from Jamie Brennan. Lots to work on and lots of players to come back. Big improvement needed to get to the levels Derry have got themselves to but remember it's only a couple of years ago when we were beating them. I expect a much closer encounter in April after hopefully a successful promotion.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2812 - 21/01/2024 14:15:56    2521277

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Replying To WeGoAgain:  "Agree with all that. I'd add McColgan as a starter in April too."
Can push for minutes, but very strong competition in the wing positions for him.

SurelyToGod (Donegal) - Posts: 433 - 21/01/2024 17:16:28    2521354

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Replying To SurelyToGod:  "Can push for minutes, but very strong competition in the wing positions for him."
Aye, you're right enough with with McHugh and Mogan now. I rate him very highly though and I'd imagine Jim has him in his plans further along the line.

WeGoAgain (Donegal) - Posts: 51 - 21/01/2024 18:06:37    2521369

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Gallen and McBrearty poor last night, they were tightly marked but would expect more from them, lost midfield all night , why wasnt Rory O Donnell given some time there, he is a big man and a good fielder of the ball. Donegal should have been better all round as they would be ahead of most teams in fitness is we are to believe all the stories of their training sessions since Jim took over..

jacktheboy (Donegal) - Posts: 447 - 21/01/2024 19:41:20    2521395

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Replying To WeGoAgain:  "Agree with all that. I'd add McColgan as a starter in April too."
Yeah Caolan McColgan was outstanding last season at wing back, but he has been out injured so far, like he is in the squad. The uestion is whether he will get sufficient game time between now and April.

I think Ryan McHugh is hugely effective as a wing forward, he caused an otherwise very solid Derry defense a lot of problems when he made incisions, I think that is where is best suited.

Wondering if Hugh McFadden might be an option at Full Forward when he returns, he has serious physical power, aerial ability and can put the ball over or under the bar.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1193 - 21/01/2024 19:41:30    2521396

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Replying To Gaa_lover:  "All shall be revealed in the upcoming league campaign. Never seen Jim McGuinness to smile so much after a defeat as he did tonight."
I think when the dust settles, people will realise that Donegal probably got a lot more to take away from that game than Derry, I suspect Jim McGuinness is fully aware of that.

Donegal starting lineup was minus Shaun Patton, Brendan McCole, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Caolan McColgan, Michael Langan, Jason McGee, Niall O'Donnell, Conor O'Donnell and Hugh McFadden all missing. Others like Stephen McMenamin left on the bench. He got to try out a lot of match ups and didn't give much away tactically.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1193 - 21/01/2024 19:47:11    2521399

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Replying To Commodore:  "I would look again at both starting lineups last night, apart from Conor Glass and maybe Ciaran McFaul, Derry were close to full strength last night, well the spine of their team was close to full strength in that they had McKaigue, McKinless, Rogers, McGuigan etc.

Donegal fielded a weakened or certainly less experienced side, missing the spine of the normal Championship team with Shaun Patton, Brendan McCole, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Michael Langan, Jason McGee, Hugh McFadden, Niall O'Donnell and Conor O'Donnell all missing.

Derry dominated midfield the whole game, both their kickouts and our kickouts, which didn't surprise me as Caolan McGonigle was playing CHB and it was very young and inexperienced midfield pairing. This allowed them primary possession and they hold possession really well and could have won by a lot more.

From a Donegal perspective, this game will probably prove extremely useful to McGuinness in that he got a good look at Derry and how a lot of players performed, what worked and what didn't."
Hence my point on Rory o'Donnell and Jason Campbell been given their chance. When struggling to get a grip I can't understand why we don't use what's in the county at midfield to full effect

Jimsam12 (Donegal) - Posts: 18 - 21/01/2024 21:56:53    2521422

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I suspect that too many years playing for mediocre management teams post mcguinness has seeped into the play of Brennan and McBrearty. Poor showing of leadership from our captain to top off a whole competition of poor performances. Also worried that McHugh's performances are nowhere near what they used to be? Did it ever come out what job his older brother was celebrating within the Donegal setup on LinkedIn? Laughable posters here suggesting putting Hughie in at FF. We tried that. No addition. Sure, he tires himself out after five mins barking orders at everyone. He needs to get his fitness right, which has never been right to get onto Jim's team. McKenna Cup, good to get all the game time, but McGonagle looking brilliant, Kilcar lads looking past it and hopefully we'll have more bodies fit for Cork in the league.

StockholmGael (Donegal) - Posts: 135 - 22/01/2024 08:38:36    2521450

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Replying To peiledoir20:  "He was the 'third man in' which is viewed as potentially contributing to a melee. Odhran Doherty and McKinless were grappling with each other and Paddy came in a hit McKinless with a shoulder.

It was very silly for a player of Paddy's experience especially now as he is captain as well. I'm all for standing up for your teammates but he should have known better.

If it was league or championship it could have proved very costly. I just wonder how that suspension carries now? Is it confined to the McKenna Cup does anyone know?"
Thanks peiledor

GAAmanDNG (Donegal) - Posts: 19 - 22/01/2024 08:51:00    2521451

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Replying To StockholmGael:  "I suspect that too many years playing for mediocre management teams post mcguinness has seeped into the play of Brennan and McBrearty. Poor showing of leadership from our captain to top off a whole competition of poor performances. Also worried that McHugh's performances are nowhere near what they used to be? Did it ever come out what job his older brother was celebrating within the Donegal setup on LinkedIn? Laughable posters here suggesting putting Hughie in at FF. We tried that. No addition. Sure, he tires himself out after five mins barking orders at everyone. He needs to get his fitness right, which has never been right to get onto Jim's team. McKenna Cup, good to get all the game time, but McGonagle looking brilliant, Kilcar lads looking past it and hopefully we'll have more bodies fit for Cork in the league."
Yea blame bonner for mc brearty not playing well and getting sent off , and for Brennan not playing well. Brennan played some brilliant football under bonner and mc brearty was flying till he done the cruciate in the Ulster final. But that wudnt suit your story. Fool.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2559 - 22/01/2024 10:44:59    2521475

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Jeez think we need to cool the jets a wee bit. Noone was getting carried away when we hammered fringe Armagh and Monaghan teams. Similarly we shouldn't lsoe the run of ourselves after a McKenna Cup final defeat in January.

I thought we did ok in the first half. There was good intensity and forced Derry into uncharacteristic bad shooting.

The second half was disappointing. Derry owned the ball and kicked some lovely scores into the breeze. I thought we rushed things and needed to be a bit calmer in getting our shooters into good positions to maximise the advantage of the breeze.

The red cards were silly, but in my opinion the referee caused a lot of the frustration on both sides with his nit picking and inconsistent calls.

The starting lineup this weekend will be interesting. You'd like to think the likes of Eoghn Ban, McCole, Langan and McGee will be available. Mulreanny will start in goals I'd say. He did ok on Saturday but I expected a bit more from his kickouts second half. A lot of them were just boomed out the field. He is certainly a good option for long range frees however. The two scores he got were top notch.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9514 - 22/01/2024 10:55:15    2521480

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Replying To ForeverBlue2:  "Don't get carried away…. Donegal will not become anything because Mc Guinness is back…"
From a cavan man . ...yee have won 2 in colour!

totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 993 - 22/01/2024 13:08:39    2521522

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