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The result flattered us. Cork were poor, especially with the breeze in the second half and our chaotic sub goalkeeper antics. We coughed up a lot of easy possession, misplaced a lot of passes and were largely ineffective in 1-on-1 tackling. On the plus side, we had a brilliant spread of scorers which will make us dangerous, weren't afraid to and kicked some lovely long range efforts which brings us out of the old one dimensional gameplan and the speed and strength going forward was incredible. Ryan McHugh starting to look like his old self, the youngsters look hungry and energetic. McBrearty posted the well taken goal and the rest from frees. Maybe the goal will give him the confidence to start contributing more points from open play. The Kilcar lads look like they lost the hunger after four poor management teams after Jim after having played for him. If anyone can get the fire back in them, it's him however I think Paddy's past it. He was celebrated for his point v Derry in '22, but nobody really mentioned that he was kept scoreless until then in that match. The argument that he was being marked by one of the best in the country only makes me think we need forwards who'll give that calibre of defender a rougher time. Brennan's been a shadow of his former self for a while. We know that Jim dropped Cassidy, and won't have anyone in there that doesn't warrant their spot come championship. Patton back next game for a stiffer test away to Cavan. Also looking forward to seeing how we look with more minutes in Ban, and the return of Langan, McGee, McMenamin, the two O Donnells and Farah. Good to get two points towards a possible promotion and get back into a culture of winning. StockholmGael (Donegal) - Posts: 135 - 29/01/2024 10:44:21 2522934 Link
Replying To veterngaa: "In the McKenna Cup? It's a challenge match …so no! It's about finding what works and what does not.. what players can stand up! Although 9 starters from that game started against Dublin .. League football is important. I'm just saying if I was a cork fan I'd be embarrassed" I thought Cork did throw in the towel a bit too easily to be honest. Not renowned travellers as someone mentioned before. I see they have 3 mpreaway games so they would want to remedy that or they could find themselves in bother. peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1006 - 29/01/2024 10:54:46 2522936 Link
Replying To TheFlaker: "I was in West Donegal for the weekend and was at the game. Cork were very poor but Donegal were also excellent in many aspects and look a new team from last year. It's only January but that half back line looked excellent and Ryan McHugh looks fresh. Really impressed with that Moore lad as well, super athlete. And one thing that really stood out was the way that they broke in 3's and 4's when they got a turnover and more often than not it ended up with a shot. This is exactly what Jim Mc brought in his first term. Love to see that gamble and breaking in numbers. Still 3 or 4 first teamers to come back in so they have plenty of positives. My main concern is their full back line. I think it is average enough to be honest. Better teams will punish them unless they are really able to seal that scoring zone. A work in progress but exciting times for Donegal supporters. And lastly, while he finished as top scorer it looks like they are carrying McBrearty. Interested to hear what you lads think?" Generally agree with everything, but would hesitate to read too much into tactics and turnovers in January. More important to watch for commitment and talent at this stage. The panel will happily carry McBrearty if he puts 1-6 away against Div 2 opposition on the regular. Hopefully McGettigan's injury isn't anything serious because like some of his club-mates he is versatile and would be my first choice to fill any back 6 position. The first-choice full back line (Curran, McCole, McGettigan) is lacking in experience in the FB line at this level, but aside from McMeniman, they are each the most experienced full-backs in the panels. It's not a massive worry to me right now; consistency will improve when the half-back positions become more cemented as key players return. I think McGuinness is positioning McCole as the defensive leader/organizer and will persist with him in the full-back slot where he captained DCU to Sigerson. It's worth pointing out that McGuinness' last winning team also featured a Sigerson Cup winning partnership in the full-back line. SurelyToGod (Donegal) - Posts: 434 - 29/01/2024 12:01:04 2522958 Link
Regarding Brennan and McBrearty - they are both struggling to rediscover the scoring form we know they are capable of, but they are both working hard doing a hell of a lot of harrying and tackling. Paddy getting on a lot of ball and laying it off to other forwards which wasn't always his forte. Maybe McGuinness wants them to focus on those aspects of their playing for now, then hopefully as the season goes on they'll start contributing more to the scoreboard. Forwards pressing high and tackling hard seems to a big part of Jims new style. Great to see. The other thing is our other inside forwards Luke McGlynn and Aaron Doherty haven't shown enough to take their place High_and_wide (Donegal) - Posts: 84 - 29/01/2024 12:15:48 2522966 Link
Replying To veterngaa: "In the McKenna Cup? It's a challenge match …so no! It's about finding what works and what does not.. what players can stand up! Although 9 starters from that game started against Dublin .. League football is important. I'm just saying if I was a cork fan I'd be embarrassed" Monaghan beat Donegal in the McKenna Cup Final in 2022 and they had a full scale pitch invasion in Healy Park, such was the excitement. Personally, I'd be more embarrassed about that. But you're right, the McKenna is a glorified Challenge Match. And, if you think the Cork fans should be embarrassed, why didn't you go on the Cork Forum and tell them, don't be telling us. Donegal supporters didn't go on to the Dublin page to tell them they should be embarrassed. SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 700 - 29/01/2024 13:45:18 2523004 Link
Replying To veterngaa: "In the McKenna Cup? It's a challenge match …so no! It's about finding what works and what does not.. what players can stand up! Although 9 starters from that game started against Dublin .. League football is important. I'm just saying if I was a cork fan I'd be embarrassed" I agree, the McKenna Cup is a glorified Challenge Match..... Monaghan beat Donegal in the McKenna Cup Final in 2022, and there was a full scale pitch invasion by the Monaghan supporters. I was embarrassed that evening, for the Monaghan supporters. SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 700 - 29/01/2024 14:18:22 2523015 Link
Replying To SurelyToGod: "Generally agree with everything, but would hesitate to read too much into tactics and turnovers in January. More important to watch for commitment and talent at this stage. The panel will happily carry McBrearty if he puts 1-6 away against Div 2 opposition on the regular. Hopefully McGettigan's injury isn't anything serious because like some of his club-mates he is versatile and would be my first choice to fill any back 6 position. The first-choice full back line (Curran, McCole, McGettigan) is lacking in experience in the FB line at this level, but aside from McMeniman, they are each the most experienced full-backs in the panels. It's not a massive worry to me right now; consistency will improve when the half-back positions become more cemented as key players return. I think McGuinness is positioning McCole as the defensive leader/organizer and will persist with him in the full-back slot where he captained DCU to Sigerson. It's worth pointing out that McGuinness' last winning team also featured a Sigerson Cup winning partnership in the full-back line." I think Patrick McBrearty's presence on this team is very important, as he is last 2012 All Ireland winner left on the panel, and Ryan McHugh was part that era in 2013 and 2014 and has vast experience too. It's also worth noting that a lot of other players on this current Donegal side already have back to back Ulster titles from 2018 and 2019, not to mention Ulster runners up medals from 2020 and 2022, so its not a blank canvas really, there is a core of talent there. Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1193 - 29/01/2024 14:24:18 2523018 Link
Agree with Brennan and Paddy. Brennan won four frees yesterday for us all the same near the opposition goal. A lot to be said for that but from play isn't at it as of yet. He can win ball well so he links play well. He won a lovely ball coming out from 14 yday and if he gave the quick pass to the man running off his shoulder he ideal but he carried it, shot and ended in row Z. However there's still a strong arguement for having him. His pace causes teams issues. However when this is matched, he struggles. On Paddy we don't seem to be looping it to him anymore. I think we have become easy to defend in this area so more variety in attack is good. We can always go back to the loop but Paddy has only attempted one looped point so far this year. The loop is being used more of a decoy, see Ryan Mc Hughs first half point v Derry when Paddy's run takes his man and sweeper away from Ryan. Paddy is selfless at times and uses the ball well. When further out the field he needs to transition it quicker. The question we all have is defensively out the field, can he do this ? I think he's improving and getting fitter as others have posted. Important to note he's only back really from his second or third serious injury. Needs to be applauded for all his efforts and sacrifices. I'm hoping Conor and Niall O Donnell come back injury free. Two brilliant options TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1193 - 29/01/2024 15:50:33 2523051 Link
I think it's bitterly disappointing that we still haven't seen the best of Donegal yet with regards the whole squad. We seem to be missing a good few players through injury like Langan, mc gee, mc fadden and the O Donnells. I also heard a rumour at the game yesterday that caolan ward requires surgery for a hamstring injury? Any truth in this this? iKnowTheScore (Donegal) - Posts: 40 - 29/01/2024 16:04:22 2523053 Link
Replying To SouthOfTheGap: "I agree, the McKenna Cup is a glorified Challenge Match..... Monaghan beat Donegal in the McKenna Cup Final in 2022, and there was a full scale pitch invasion by the Monaghan supporters. I was embarrassed that evening, for the Monaghan supporters." Pitch invasions .. Donegal ,,, you won't be seeing that anytime soon veterngaa (Monaghan) - Posts: 642 - 29/01/2024 16:26:58 2523059 Link
Replying To iKnowTheScore: "I think it's bitterly disappointing that we still haven't seen the best of Donegal yet with regards the whole squad. We seem to be missing a good few players through injury like Langan, mc gee, mc fadden and the O Donnells. I also heard a rumour at the game yesterday that caolan ward requires surgery for a hamstring injury? Any truth in this this?" I wouldn't agree that it's bitterly disappointing. We are building nicely, and having everyone available now wouldn't help the future advancement of players. Look at the positives from having Ciaran Moore and Odhran Doherty for example getting loads of match time. Also the likes of Oisín Caulfield and Donal McGiolla Bhride. If everyone was avaliable now, those boys would be very raw come championship. The lads we are missing should slot back in seamlessly when they are ready, hopefully in the next 4 to 5 weeks. In relation to other posters, I would say that Jamie Brennan has been going very well, causing teams a lot of trouble, maybe without the reward on the scoreboard. But the scores will come. Similarly with Paddy, he won't shoot the lights out every day, but he has it in his locker. Ryan McHugh is coming back to his old form, while it was also nice to see Ban back on the ball yesterday. I'd be happy enough that we are building at a nice pace towards the ultimate goal. As the hashtag of old said #InJimWeTrust SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 700 - 29/01/2024 16:45:29 2523070 Link
Replying To iKnowTheScore: "I think it's bitterly disappointing that we still haven't seen the best of Donegal yet with regards the whole squad. We seem to be missing a good few players through injury like Langan, mc gee, mc fadden and the O Donnells. I also heard a rumour at the game yesterday that caolan ward requires surgery for a hamstring injury? Any truth in this this?" Caolan Ward was in London the weekend for surgery. TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 8106 - 29/01/2024 16:57:13 2523077 Link
Replying To veterngaa: "Pitch invasions .. Donegal ,,, you won't be seeing that anytime soon" What is your problem? By my count Monaghan have had cause for two pitch invasions in the last 40 years Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9514 - 29/01/2024 17:00:27 2523080 Link
Very impressive performance yesterday on a very poor day for football - hard to believe the score line in that Gael. Nice spread of lads taking scores all over the park - must of been 9/10, different scorers , what was the exact count does anyone know? I thought paddy and Jamie were excellent yesterday - people questioning what they offer is laughable IMO. I have absolute faith in the mgr picking them from what he sees in training - those that don't can apply for the gig when the messiah moves on. Things are building nicely again and it's great to see us well organised , great structure to the attacking play , lads giving it all for the cause and us been really competitive again compared to the dire stuff the last few years. Plenty of mistakes been made too - 2 goals in particular yesterday from poor choices been turned over and punished. It's ok to make mistakes , that's where you learn in games like these for the bigger picture down the line… eunans4ever (Donegal) - Posts: 1678 - 29/01/2024 17:02:45 2523084 Link
On the missing players we know a lot about the likes of Langan,McGee,McFadden,Ward and Niall O'Donnell but it is very disappoining that Conor O'Donnell and McColgan got injured when they were just showing how good they could be.I have a feeling that McColgan could be very much a McGuinness type of player.tenacious and direct.O'Donnell and Daire OBaoill were our best players last year, gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1122 - 29/01/2024 17:21:03 2523095 Link
Replying To Lockjaw: "What is your problem? By my count Monaghan have had cause for two pitch invasions in the last 40 years" They have a pitch invasion every year at the end of the last league game. They had one in Castlebar last year when they beat Mayo who were already through to the League Final. And the year before that, they carried Banty on their shoulders when they beat Dublin to stay up. Its the same every year. Our Veteran has a short memory.... SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 700 - 29/01/2024 17:30:21 2523101 Link
Replying To Lockjaw: "What is your problem? By my count Monaghan have had cause for two pitch invasions in the last 40 years" Don't forget their 'winning the last game of the league to stay up' Cup. peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1006 - 29/01/2024 18:01:42 2523113 Link
Replying To eunans4ever: "Very impressive performance yesterday on a very poor day for football - hard to believe the score line in that Gael. Nice spread of lads taking scores all over the park - must of been 9/10, different scorers , what was the exact count does anyone know? I thought paddy and Jamie were excellent yesterday - people questioning what they offer is laughable IMO. I have absolute faith in the mgr picking them from what he sees in training - those that don't can apply for the gig when the messiah moves on. Things are building nicely again and it's great to see us well organised , great structure to the attacking play , lads giving it all for the cause and us been really competitive again compared to the dire stuff the last few years. Plenty of mistakes been made too - 2 goals in particular yesterday from poor choices been turned over and punished. It's ok to make mistakes , that's where you learn in games like these for the bigger picture down the line…" I don't know why people keep mentioning about Jim moving on, I can't see him ever going back to mange a soccer team again, maybe that's wishful thinking on my part. I think he should stick to what he does and knows best and that's Gaelic football and Donegal. It will like take him some time I think to get us back to hopefully being able to challenge for major honours again. Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3007 - 29/01/2024 18:45:34 2523126 Link
why do we have so many inuries in Donegal squad every year highdropingball (Donegal) - Posts: 110 - 29/01/2024 19:02:37 2523134 Link
Replying To eunans4ever: "Very impressive performance yesterday on a very poor day for football - hard to believe the score line in that Gael. Nice spread of lads taking scores all over the park - must of been 9/10, different scorers , what was the exact count does anyone know? I thought paddy and Jamie were excellent yesterday - people questioning what they offer is laughable IMO. I have absolute faith in the mgr picking them from what he sees in training - those that don't can apply for the gig when the messiah moves on. Things are building nicely again and it's great to see us well organised , great structure to the attacking play , lads giving it all for the cause and us been really competitive again compared to the dire stuff the last few years. Plenty of mistakes been made too - 2 goals in particular yesterday from poor choices been turned over and punished. It's ok to make mistakes , that's where you learn in games like these for the bigger picture down the line…" I would agree to all of the above, I also have to say moore looks a real baller totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 993 - 29/01/2024 19:15:34 2523139 Link