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Donegal GAA thread

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Yeah we're wild in this county for writing off good players who are still young. Just recently on this board, Jamie Brennan was finished at 28. Now there's talk that Niall O'Donnell is crocked and we should forget about him. Madness. We simply do not have that much quality squad depth that players like these can be just casually dismissed.

I've mentioned before on this board how there were a few players in Jim's first tenure who could have been similarly disregarded. We all knew the likes of Neil Gallagher and Colm McFadden were very talented players, but it's fair to say that weren't consistent enough to be regarded as truly elite players. Jim changed that. McFadden was top scorer in 2012 and a POTY nominee and Neil won two All Stars.

Now every man is different, and there will need to be a bit of luck with injuries, but from what I've seen of Niall O'Donnell, he is far too talented a player for us to be without if he's fit. He has vision that only the best players possess and the technique to deliver passes and scores that others just can't."
Indeed, Neil Gallagher (as you mentioned) was first introduced into the panel in 2004, just as John Gildea was retiring from midfield. He did captain the team to league success in 2007 but it was only really in Jim's second season in charge in 2012 that Neil really fulfilled his potential (I'll never forget him lording midfield against Cork in the semi final). Injuries and dips in form can happen and not every player bursts on the scene as a teenager, some take longer to develop.

BeardedBorderGael (Donegal) - Posts: 44 - 07/02/2024 14:16:28    2524937

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Yeah we're wild in this county for writing off good players who are still young. Just recently on this board, Jamie Brennan was finished at 28. Now there's talk that Niall O'Donnell is crocked and we should forget about him. Madness. We simply do not have that much quality squad depth that players like these can be just casually dismissed.

I've mentioned before on this board how there were a few players in Jim's first tenure who could have been similarly disregarded. We all knew the likes of Neil Gallagher and Colm McFadden were very talented players, but it's fair to say that weren't consistent enough to be regarded as truly elite players. Jim changed that. McFadden was top scorer in 2012 and a POTY nominee and Neil won two All Stars.

Now every man is different, and there will need to be a bit of luck with injuries, but from what I've seen of Niall O'Donnell, he is far too talented a player for us to be without if he's fit. He has vision that only the best players possess and the technique to deliver passes and scores that others just can't."
I agree completely. In his first term Jim took a load of players who were very ordinary and turned them into top class players. And he took a couple of top class players and turned them into household names.

I remember the All Ireland quarter final against Cork in 2009, and thinking we were light years behind the top teams. Two men I was very sceptical about after that game, Frank McGlynn and Rory Kavanagh, look what they turned into under Jim. Take Ryan Bradley and David Walsh, Neil Gallagher lads who it looked like county football had passed them by, they fairly contributed.

Bottom line, Jim has the magic dust, and I have no doubt that we will see the benefits of it in the next year or two. Yes, Niall O'Donnell has something special, and I hope we get to see it this summer. And in the last few years we have players with All Star nominations, Michael Langan, Oisin Gallen, Brendan McCole, players who I expect will develop into household names like their predecessors Michael Murphy, Karl Lacey, Neil McGee.

We may have bumps on the road, we had them in Jim's first term, but I'm confident that we'll not be far away.

SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 647 - 07/02/2024 14:53:52    2524949

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Replying To SouthOfTheGap:  "I referenced the Derry game, as it is a game most people would remember, not just experts like yourself.

Everyone knows that you are the foremost expert on this forum RorysStories. But you must get lonely up there in your Ivory Tower, considering that you have to constantly denigrate the opinions of others. If you don't like what other people have to say, maybe a "Forum" isn't the best place for you."
+1

StockholmGael (Donegal) - Posts: 131 - 07/02/2024 15:04:31    2524950

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Replying To BeardedBorderGael:  "Indeed, Neil Gallagher (as you mentioned) was first introduced into the panel in 2004, just as John Gildea was retiring from midfield. He did captain the team to league success in 2007 but it was only really in Jim's second season in charge in 2012 that Neil really fulfilled his potential (I'll never forget him lording midfield against Cork in the semi final). Injuries and dips in form can happen and not every player bursts on the scene as a teenager, some take longer to develop."
Yeah that Cork game he was majestic. Definitely one of the standout performances from any Donegal player that easily springs to mind.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9359 - 07/02/2024 15:06:45    2524952

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Replying To SouthOfTheGap:  "I agree completely. In his first term Jim took a load of players who were very ordinary and turned them into top class players. And he took a couple of top class players and turned them into household names.

I remember the All Ireland quarter final against Cork in 2009, and thinking we were light years behind the top teams. Two men I was very sceptical about after that game, Frank McGlynn and Rory Kavanagh, look what they turned into under Jim. Take Ryan Bradley and David Walsh, Neil Gallagher lads who it looked like county football had passed them by, they fairly contributed.

Bottom line, Jim has the magic dust, and I have no doubt that we will see the benefits of it in the next year or two. Yes, Niall O'Donnell has something special, and I hope we get to see it this summer. And in the last few years we have players with All Star nominations, Michael Langan, Oisin Gallen, Brendan McCole, players who I expect will develop into household names like their predecessors Michael Murphy, Karl Lacey, Neil McGee.

We may have bumps on the road, we had them in Jim's first term, but I'm confident that we'll not be far away."
Yeah and this was always my big frustration. No harm to the various management personnel in 2023, but we were definitely not getting the most out of the talent at our disposal. In fairness, some players opted out for various reasons and others were injured. But when Jim returned the aura of playing for Donegal also returned. I don't think the current squad is missing any players, other than the great man Murphy, who should be there.

I'm excited to see if he can coax similar perecentage gains out of the likes of Ban, Langan, McGee, Farrah, McCole etc.
I know in his first year back in 2011, he planted the seed in Neil McGee's head one night at training - who realistically in the country is a better full back than you? He drove him on and I'd say that he's trying to instil similar belief in the current crop.

We can debate all day whether the current crop are as good footballing wise than the first. But at least we won't be left wondering if everything wasn't put in place to help them achieve all that they can be.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9359 - 07/02/2024 15:43:18    2524965

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Replying To rorysboys:  "I get it now everyone is allowed an opinion only rorysboys. I constantly denigrate the opinions of others ,sure every opinion I put up is denigrated. What's the difference . You can spout nonsense about a game 3 years ago as if your opinion is right and I don't know what I'm on about.."
We have had one season between that game and now, nowhere near the 3 years, that was Declans second last game in charge.

And as for your remark about hating Bluffers, you also have an aversion to facts. I searched for my previous post, where your reply was that I was "All Opinions, no answers".

My answer to that is here;
https://www.hoganstand.com/County/donegal/Forum/PopularUserPosts?forumUserID=56137&Username=SouthOfTheGap

I cant find yours.

SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 647 - 07/02/2024 16:58:12    2524993

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Niall is a class player. We will see it this year. It's the unseen work that sets him apart. His primary assists will always be high.

Be interesting to see how Jim plays Niall. He's similar to his brother, albeit Shane is more direct, they both are playmakers capable of point taking. I don't remember Niall playing inside much , maybe the second half v Mayo down in Catlebar during Super 8s, but I think this could be a position that might suit him.

TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1170 - 07/02/2024 17:01:53    2524995

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Replying To SouthOfTheGap:  "We have had one season between that game and now, nowhere near the 3 years, that was Declans second last game in charge.

And as for your remark about hating Bluffers, you also have an aversion to facts. I searched for my previous post, where your reply was that I was "All Opinions, no answers".

My answer to that is here;
https://www.hoganstand.com/County/donegal/Forum/PopularUserPosts?forumUserID=56137&Username=SouthOfTheGap

I cant find yours."
What are you on about. Cool the jets this forum is about opinions.. not just yours have a nice day.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 07/02/2024 18:26:20    2525010

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Replying To TheRock2121:  "Niall is a class player. We will see it this year. It's the unseen work that sets him apart. His primary assists will always be high.

Be interesting to see how Jim plays Niall. He's similar to his brother, albeit Shane is more direct, they both are playmakers capable of point taking. I don't remember Niall playing inside much , maybe the second half v Mayo down in Catlebar during Super 8s, but I think this could be a position that might suit him."
Outside gallen Niall would be our most talented forward. This lad has it all he just needs a break from injuries. I've watched this lad since he was about 15 years.. just hoping he gets a run in the cship.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 07/02/2024 19:08:41    2525014

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Replying To rorysboys:  "What are you on about. Cool the jets this forum is about opinions.. not just yours have a nice day."
I'm delighted you clarified that, because previously I wasn't allowed an opinion without answers. I gave you both. And I had a nice day, thanks.

SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 647 - 07/02/2024 20:42:35    2525027

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Replying To SouthOfTheGap:  "I'm delighted you clarified that, because previously I wasn't allowed an opinion without answers. I gave you both. And I had a nice day, thanks."
Whatever keeps you happy.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 07/02/2024 21:42:29    2525036

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Whatever keeps you happy."
Genuine question.

Do u get notifications every time there is a post on the forum as there is no way you have the time to constantly keep checking the forum for updates messages in between classes and evening studying ???

eunans4ever (Donegal) - Posts: 1614 - 07/02/2024 21:50:59    2525037

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Replying To eunans4ever:  "Genuine question.

Do u get notifications every time there is a post on the forum as there is no way you have the time to constantly keep checking the forum for updates messages in between classes and evening studying ???"
Says the man who bores us all with 5 or 6 posts after being absent for months. Ha

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 07/02/2024 22:21:39    2525041

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Replying To SouthOfTheGap:  "I agree completely. In his first term Jim took a load of players who were very ordinary and turned them into top class players. And he took a couple of top class players and turned them into household names.

I remember the All Ireland quarter final against Cork in 2009, and thinking we were light years behind the top teams. Two men I was very sceptical about after that game, Frank McGlynn and Rory Kavanagh, look what they turned into under Jim. Take Ryan Bradley and David Walsh, Neil Gallagher lads who it looked like county football had passed them by, they fairly contributed.

Bottom line, Jim has the magic dust, and I have no doubt that we will see the benefits of it in the next year or two. Yes, Niall O'Donnell has something special, and I hope we get to see it this summer. And in the last few years we have players with All Star nominations, Michael Langan, Oisin Gallen, Brendan McCole, players who I expect will develop into household names like their predecessors Michael Murphy, Karl Lacey, Neil McGee.

We may have bumps on the road, we had them in Jim's first term, but I'm confident that we'll not be far away."
While there are similarities between Jim's previous 2011 - 2014 reign and this current managerial reign, I think psychologically speaking this era is very different to the 2011 - 2014 era.

Those players had failed to get over the line repeatedly in Ulster and the All Ireland series, with the exception of the 2007 National League title and the odd McKenna Cup. In Ulster they were constantly pipped by dominant Armagh and Tyrone teams and only had the odd run in the All Ireland series via the backdoor. I also don't think they committed or were prepared properly for many years in comparison to the top 3 or 4 sides in the Country.

These current players (Well the majority of them) have tasted Provincial success twice in 2018 and 2019, they have won Division 2 and a McKenna Cup. But they haven't once beaten a Dublin, Kerry, Mayo or Galway in Championship during this 2018 - 2023 period or reached an All Ireland SF.

During Jim's 2011 - 2014 reign we beat every team in Ulster and every top side in Ireland in Championship, under Rory Gallagher and Declan Bonner we just seemed to fall short of being National Contenders and I don't believe its because we didn't have the talent.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1155 - 08/02/2024 07:45:30    2525051

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Replying To Commodore:  "While there are similarities between Jim's previous 2011 - 2014 reign and this current managerial reign, I think psychologically speaking this era is very different to the 2011 - 2014 era.

Those players had failed to get over the line repeatedly in Ulster and the All Ireland series, with the exception of the 2007 National League title and the odd McKenna Cup. In Ulster they were constantly pipped by dominant Armagh and Tyrone teams and only had the odd run in the All Ireland series via the backdoor. I also don't think they committed or were prepared properly for many years in comparison to the top 3 or 4 sides in the Country.

These current players (Well the majority of them) have tasted Provincial success twice in 2018 and 2019, they have won Division 2 and a McKenna Cup. But they haven't once beaten a Dublin, Kerry, Mayo or Galway in Championship during this 2018 - 2023 period or reached an All Ireland SF.

During Jim's 2011 - 2014 reign we beat every team in Ulster and every top side in Ireland in Championship, under Rory Gallagher and Declan Bonner we just seemed to fall short of being National Contenders and I don't believe its because we didn't have the talent."
When you see what Gallagher has turned Derry in to and how well his period with McGuinness went why do you think it went off the rails with Donegal towards the end notwithstanding the fact that he was unlucky not to pick up Ulster titles in his first 2 years.Bonners first 2 years were also his best with 2 Ulster titles.Is there an argument that a manager must achieve in the first 2 years or things can deteriorate.

gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1095 - 08/02/2024 10:23:11    2525063

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Replying To gunman:  "When you see what Gallagher has turned Derry in to and how well his period with McGuinness went why do you think it went off the rails with Donegal towards the end notwithstanding the fact that he was unlucky not to pick up Ulster titles in his first 2 years.Bonners first 2 years were also his best with 2 Ulster titles.Is there an argument that a manager must achieve in the first 2 years or things can deteriorate."
I think in fairness to Gallagher he did blood a lot of new young players into the squad. Can remember Jason McGee, Langan, Ban, Gillespie, Mulligan, Brennan, O'Baoíll and Carroll being introduced, whilst at the same time, experienced lads like Lacey, Eamon McGee, big Neil, Rory Kav, Tony Thompson were getting near the end. Those young lads that I mentioned were and are quality operators but maybe were a bit too inexperienced for senior county football during Gallagher's reign.

But as they grew into it, Declan had taken over by then and maybe they were better equipped, leading us to the Ulster titles you mentioned. I'm not saying that Declan was lucky or anything. He managed those lads well and had us playing lovely football. Just perhaps that the timing was good for him. He still had an experienced cohort in the likes of Murphy, McGlynn, Neil McGee, McLoone, Hugh McFadden etc, but also had those young lads who had by then gotten a good feel for county football and who were mad hungry to start winning titles.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9359 - 08/02/2024 12:11:26    2525079

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Says the man who bores us all with 5 or 6 posts after being absent for months. Ha"
Back straight away……………..

Find a hobby would be a great suggestion.

eunans4ever (Donegal) - Posts: 1614 - 08/02/2024 13:07:56    2525090

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Replying To gunman:  "When you see what Gallagher has turned Derry in to and how well his period with McGuinness went why do you think it went off the rails with Donegal towards the end notwithstanding the fact that he was unlucky not to pick up Ulster titles in his first 2 years.Bonners first 2 years were also his best with 2 Ulster titles.Is there an argument that a manager must achieve in the first 2 years or things can deteriorate."
I have to say that I was amazed at what Rory Gallagher achieved with Derry. I thought at the time his decisions cost us those Ulster Titles. But I think there was a break down in respect with some of the senior players. I didn't like how he treated Frank McGlynn (in Sligo), didn't think he treated Karl Lacey to well either. But his treatment of Leo McLoone was absolutely terrible, and I think that probably soaked down to the players.

SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 647 - 08/02/2024 15:12:18    2525110

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Replying To eunans4ever:  "Back straight away……………..

Find a hobby would be a great suggestion."
You seem to have a fascination with me. Do you search all my posts but as usual when I ask you a question like I did yesterday about Shaun Patton you had no answer. lol.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 08/02/2024 15:26:19    2525114

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Replying To gunman:  "When you see what Gallagher has turned Derry in to and how well his period with McGuinness went why do you think it went off the rails with Donegal towards the end notwithstanding the fact that he was unlucky not to pick up Ulster titles in his first 2 years.Bonners first 2 years were also his best with 2 Ulster titles.Is there an argument that a manager must achieve in the first 2 years or things can deteriorate."
I think you make a good point, if a manager isn't achieving in the first 2 years in some way (Promotion or silverware) the buy-in from the players will possibly deteriorate and the team will start to lose momentum.

I think Rory Gallagher's stint in charge of Donegal didn't simply fail due lack of success in year 1 and 2, I can think of two key reasons really.

1. I suspect he brought baggage to the Donegal job 2015 - 2017 from his time as Jim's assistant, the subsequent fall out and maybe from his involvement with Kilcar and Killybegs and relationships with those players.

2. He repeatedly showed his tactical hand too early in the year and the big teams, found us easy pickings in the latter part of the year. I think that trend continued into his time managing Derry.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1155 - 08/02/2024 22:04:26    2525171

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