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Donegal GAA thread

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Foolish talk all right, please stop making a fool of ourselves. I've. Spoken to. A few called fans who are round booking hotels in Dublin.. one of them said they hadn't been at a game since all Ireland final 2014.."
Sounds like you didn't pick up on the humour about booking hotels in Dublin.. to be fair, we finally could think about that as an actual possibility again after the malaise in recent years. If we do very well in the next few years, you'll have some humble pie to be eating after years of talking the players down in an attempt to scapegoat former managers.

Donegal_abroad (Donegal) - Posts: 1378 - 10/02/2024 20:31:38    2525378

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Replying To Commodore:  "
Replying To Tirchonailabu56:  "[quote=RoryGall35:  "[quote=Commodore:  "I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.

In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.

Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.

Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this."
I definitely think your right..the talent is definitely there especially in our forwards and the emergence of Oisin Gallen has kinda mad almost not us really talking about Michael as much.."
I think Derry have a slightly better squad of players than Donegal and will have over the next couple of years. But one thing I'm sure off is that Jim will have his team setup as good it can possibly be which puts all the pressure on Mickey Harte to get everything right with Derry.
If Donegal beat Derry in the championship it will not be because Donegal have the best players, it will be because McGuinnes prepared his team better than Mickey Harte.
I'd expect Jim to bring something new to Gaelic football that nobody else has done before but he way wait until next year before he plays that hand and use this season to get the conditioning, defensive setup and transitions etc etc all nailed down first."]I don't think Derry have a better or stronger squad of players, the bulk of their team are probably marginally ahead of us in terms of S&C development in the last year or two, so physically speaking they probably have an edge on our fringe or squad players, but despite this there isn't much between us at full strength.

The big problem is Donegal is that we couldn't settle on a back six in the last 6 or 7 years, unfortunately we have shortage of visionary managers who can adapt players for key roles, most coaches in Donegal seem to need ready made midfielders or centre half backs or corner backs etc. Whereas a great manager will adapt players to plug gaps, not just tell them "You're playing corner back on Sunday", but spend months developing them for that specific role."]We had the players but we didn't have the right manager, now we have Jim back we have reason to hope again,
declansboy has been on here for years saying that our players weren't good enough, the truth is the management wasn't good enough to get the best out of what we had available.
Fermanagh will be hard to beat this day week in our bogey ground in Letterkenny but I expect us to win it by 2 or 3 points anyway because we are stating to click into a dangerous team again.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 2897 - 11/02/2024 14:32:41    2525452

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Replying To Tirchonaill1:  "
Replying To Commodore:  "[quote=Tirchonailabu56:  "[quote=RoryGall35:  "[quote=Commodore:  "I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.

In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.

Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.

Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this."
I definitely think your right..the talent is definitely there especially in our forwards and the emergence of Oisin Gallen has kinda mad almost not us really talking about Michael as much.."
I think Derry have a slightly better squad of players than Donegal and will have over the next couple of years. But one thing I'm sure off is that Jim will have his team setup as good it can possibly be which puts all the pressure on Mickey Harte to get everything right with Derry.
If Donegal beat Derry in the championship it will not be because Donegal have the best players, it will be because McGuinnes prepared his team better than Mickey Harte.
I'd expect Jim to bring something new to Gaelic football that nobody else has done before but he way wait until next year before he plays that hand and use this season to get the conditioning, defensive setup and transitions etc etc all nailed down first."]I don't think Derry have a better or stronger squad of players, the bulk of their team are probably marginally ahead of us in terms of S&C development in the last year or two, so physically speaking they probably have an edge on our fringe or squad players, but despite this there isn't much between us at full strength.

The big problem is Donegal is that we couldn't settle on a back six in the last 6 or 7 years, unfortunately we have shortage of visionary managers who can adapt players for key roles, most coaches in Donegal seem to need ready made midfielders or centre half backs or corner backs etc. Whereas a great manager will adapt players to plug gaps, not just tell them "You're playing corner back on Sunday", but spend months developing them for that specific role."]We had the players but we didn't have the right manager, now we have Jim back we have reason to hope again,
declansboy has been on here for years saying that our players weren't good enough, the truth is the management wasn't good enough to get the best out of what we had available.
Fermanagh will be hard to beat this day week in our bogey ground in Letterkenny but I expect us to win it by 2 or 3 points anyway because we are stating to click into a dangerous team again."]Taking these games to Letterkenny and Ballyshannon is nuts.Complete momentum killer

heyday (Laois) - Posts: 35 - 11/02/2024 15:42:24    2525461

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Replying To Tirchonaill1:  "
Replying To Commodore:  "[quote=Tirchonailabu56:  "[quote=RoryGall35:  "[quote=Commodore:  "I agree with you on players that National media regularly name-checked for the past 5 years or so, like it was usually Murphy, McBrearty or McHugh.

In my opinion Michael Langan is one of the top players in the Country if he can stay injury free, he is a phenomenal talent, tall, high fielder, electric pace, can kick off both feet. I would be trying him as inside forward at times if I was manager.

Ciaran Thompson is a workhorse player, I think he is key if this Donegal side are going to win anything.
Caomhan McGonigle is a power house, comfortable in midfield and can take scores, to me he is similar to Ryan Bradley, maybe a bit more mobile.
Peadar Mogan is electric, his pace is unreal and he is a key link player, I would rate him among the best players in the Country.
Eoghan Ban Gallagher, his potential is off the chart, injuries have impacted him, but at full fitness he is one of the top players in the Country.
Brendan McCole has become an brilliant full back, his athleticism and pace is phenomenal, I think he is in that top bracket.
Shaun Patton has to be one of the top 5 keepers in the Country, in kicking terms probably the top 3.

Outside of those we have a whole host of talented players who I think have the potential to be ranked among the best players in Ireland. Donegal have an ambundance of talent, its just a case of bringing the team to the All Ireland contender level and giving them the spotlight for National media to realise this."
I definitely think your right..the talent is definitely there especially in our forwards and the emergence of Oisin Gallen has kinda mad almost not us really talking about Michael as much.."
I think Derry have a slightly better squad of players than Donegal and will have over the next couple of years. But one thing I'm sure off is that Jim will have his team setup as good it can possibly be which puts all the pressure on Mickey Harte to get everything right with Derry.
If Donegal beat Derry in the championship it will not be because Donegal have the best players, it will be because McGuinnes prepared his team better than Mickey Harte.
I'd expect Jim to bring something new to Gaelic football that nobody else has done before but he way wait until next year before he plays that hand and use this season to get the conditioning, defensive setup and transitions etc etc all nailed down first."]I don't think Derry have a better or stronger squad of players, the bulk of their team are probably marginally ahead of us in terms of S&C development in the last year or two, so physically speaking they probably have an edge on our fringe or squad players, but despite this there isn't much between us at full strength.

The big problem is Donegal is that we couldn't settle on a back six in the last 6 or 7 years, unfortunately we have shortage of visionary managers who can adapt players for key roles, most coaches in Donegal seem to need ready made midfielders or centre half backs or corner backs etc. Whereas a great manager will adapt players to plug gaps, not just tell them "You're playing corner back on Sunday", but spend months developing them for that specific role."]We had the players but we didn't have the right manager, now we have Jim back we have reason to hope again,
declansboy has been on here for years saying that our players weren't good enough, the truth is the management wasn't good enough to get the best out of what we had available.
Fermanagh will be hard to beat this day week in our bogey ground in Letterkenny but I expect us to win it by 2 or 3 points anyway because we are stating to click into a dangerous team again."]It's always blame the manager. Not the players. Maybe that's why we're not in the top teams in Ireland. Once you cross the white line you go out and perform. I said it before I don't really care what people like you say . If mc Guinness wins all Ireland brilliant but winning ulsters mean nothing now, most of the squad have won two under bonner..

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 11/02/2024 15:43:25    2525462

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Replying To greenfan:  "Talk about getting carried away... Some of the posts in here recently after 2 wins against two very average division 2 teams. People saying some of our players are among the best in the country, talk of the squad being better that the 2012 squad. Everyone needs to take a step back, lower the expectations a bit."
I don't think it's getting carried away..I think it just people realising that Jim is back and that we already had a nucleus of a good side during Bonner time but just got unlucky in super 8s matches. And now with the reputation that Jim carries and knowledge of that we do have talented footballers..mix them too together and we know what we get..2012, 3 ulsters in 4 years, only team to beat Jim Galvin unbeatable team..can we not dare to dream..?

RoryGall35 (Donegal) - Posts: 181 - 11/02/2024 15:45:40    2525464

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Replying To RoryGall35:  "I don't think it's getting carried away..I think it just people realising that Jim is back and that we already had a nucleus of a good side during Bonner time but just got unlucky in super 8s matches. And now with the reputation that Jim carries and knowledge of that we do have talented footballers..mix them too together and we know what we get..2012, 3 ulsters in 4 years, only team to beat Jim Galvin unbeatable team..can we not dare to dream..?"
No harm in dreaming and having hope. But the problem nowadays is that expectations get raised too quickly and then when teams don't match those expectations the abuse of players and managers starts.

greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 531 - 11/02/2024 17:22:45    2525483

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Replying To RoryGall35:  "I don't think it's getting carried away..I think it just people realising that Jim is back and that we already had a nucleus of a good side during Bonner time but just got unlucky in super 8s matches. And now with the reputation that Jim carries and knowledge of that we do have talented footballers..mix them too together and we know what we get..2012, 3 ulsters in 4 years, only team to beat Jim Galvin unbeatable team..can we not dare to dream..?"
Dreaming is fine but people are forgetting where Jim is starting from. We had a few good matches in the Mc Kenna Cup. We now have had 2 victories against Division 2 opposition. We have to go to Celtic Park in our 1st Championship match against Derry, going for 3 in a row in Ulster. Promotion to Division 1 and maybe get to Super 8's would be a successful season.....

Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 383 - 11/02/2024 17:57:22    2525489

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Replying To Scenicparish:  "Dreaming is fine but people are forgetting where Jim is starting from. We had a few good matches in the Mc Kenna Cup. We now have had 2 victories against Division 2 opposition. We have to go to Celtic Park in our 1st Championship match against Derry, going for 3 in a row in Ulster. Promotion to Division 1 and maybe get to Super 8's would be a successful season....."
Jez lad wudnt mind being a manager under you. How could you call successful. Promotion great yea but the championship is what it's all about. You have posters on here who are backing us to win sam. .

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 11/02/2024 19:24:52    2525508

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Jez lad wudnt mind being a manager under you. How could you call successful. Promotion great yea but the championship is what it's all about. You have posters on here who are backing us to win sam. ."
We've not been competitive in the later stages of the championship since Jim was last in charge. It would be great if he could do what Declan and Rory failed to do. But we've been heading in the wrong direction ever since he did leave, hopefully he can turn the tide and move us in the right direction. Promotion this year is a success, considering where we've been left at in recent years.

FootballGuy (Donegal) - Posts: 244 - 11/02/2024 22:27:31    2525539

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Massive well done to Abbey VS on their Ulster 'B' title, some going by the school and the clubs providing the players. Were comfortable in the QF, SF and final from what I seen so should be a great chance for a possible All-Ireland title

NPadraigAbu (Donegal) - Posts: 52 - 12/02/2024 01:36:26    2525552

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Replying To greenfan:  "Talk about getting carried away... Some of the posts in here recently after 2 wins against two very average division 2 teams. People saying some of our players are among the best in the country, talk of the squad being better that the 2012 squad. Everyone needs to take a step back, lower the expectations a bit."
I disagree, I think lowering of expectations and standards is what has seen football performance levels deteriorate or stagnate in Donegal over the last 10 years.

Think back to 2011-2014, Jim McGuinness came in and transformed the Senior team setup. While he rapidly transformed our Senior football team, in reality he just brought us up to speed with wealthy Counties like Dublin, Kerry, Mayo who were already operating at this level thanks to serious investment. Yes the tactical system helped get us there, but by 2014 that system had been sized up/figured out and we were still winning Ulster and reaching an All Ireland final.

My point? Management quality was the difference, not player quality and I believe the same is still true.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1155 - 12/02/2024 09:15:27    2525563

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Replying To FootballGuy:  "We've not been competitive in the later stages of the championship since Jim was last in charge. It would be great if he could do what Declan and Rory failed to do. But we've been heading in the wrong direction ever since he did leave, hopefully he can turn the tide and move us in the right direction. Promotion this year is a success, considering where we've been left at in recent years."
Were we not competitive in 2018 when we gave Dublin a game of it . And in 2019 when we drew with Kerry and lost out by 4 to mayo. But sure don't mention that that would defeat the purpose.. promotion might be a success in your eyes but it's not in mine. Ulster has to be the main aim. Why can't we win Ulster Derry will have bigger aims so this is the time to get them. Never settle for second best lad

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 12/02/2024 09:16:07    2525564

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I think we need to be brave and ambitious, whilst at the same time have the humility to admit that we haven't seriously concerned the big guns for the last number of years. We always have talented players in the county. If they are fit and well prepared we can give any county a good game. Derry are a well oiled machine surely, with some outstanding players. But should we really fear them? Respect them certainly, but with a fair wind it's well within our capabilities to go to Celtic Park ambush them in a few months time in my opinion.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9359 - 12/02/2024 09:31:19    2525571

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Jez lad wudnt mind being a manager under you. How could you call successful. Promotion great yea but the championship is what it's all about. You have posters on here who are backing us to win sam. ."
My point is people are getting carried away. It will take 2 to 3 years to build a team properly fit to compete at the top table. Fitness and conditioning doesn't happen overnight. In Jim we have the right man in place but patience is needed to get us where we want to be.

Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 383 - 12/02/2024 10:33:38    2525582

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Replying To Scenicparish:  "My point is people are getting carried away. It will take 2 to 3 years to build a team properly fit to compete at the top table. Fitness and conditioning doesn't happen overnight. In Jim we have the right man in place but patience is needed to get us where we want to be."
To win an all Ireland would take a few years but Ulster is winnable this year. Managers came in before and win it after getting hammered the previous year.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 12/02/2024 11:05:05    2525594

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Most players are used to doing S&C now from an early age, and I dont think we're far behind in that regard. Last year we struggled for fitness, especially in the national league and the Down game, but that's different from strength and conditioning. The legs were gone after 20-25 minutes in every game. But they were much fitter by the time the All Ireland group stages came around.

Much of that last year was due to the debacle of not having a management team in place until November. This year, the players were working towards their goals well in advance of that because the business of having Jim and his team in place was done early.

So, I don't think we will be at any disadvantage this year when it comes to S&C or fitness. It's clear that Jim is now dwveloping his system and making sure that each player knows their role. The question will be what tweaks will be required when it comes to facing the top top teams, and will the players be able to react. I really think we will have the strength of character to respond, unlike in the last number of years.

Here's hoping.

SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 647 - 12/02/2024 11:44:54    2525601

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Go back two days and find out, too busy to be asking a question a third time. If you don't have the answer I understand . Mo chara"
Missed the question you asked "once" as you post a lot of stuff nobody reads most of the time I'd imagine.

The answer to the question is that people think it was Declan Bonner.

The correct answer is that it was John Haran and Maxi Curran that brought Sean back into the GAA world from soccer.

eunans4ever (Donegal) - Posts: 1614 - 12/02/2024 11:47:51    2525603

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Replying To Donegal_abroad:  "Sounds like you didn't pick up on the humour about booking hotels in Dublin.. to be fair, we finally could think about that as an actual possibility again after the malaise in recent years. If we do very well in the next few years, you'll have some humble pie to be eating after years of talking the players down in an attempt to scapegoat former managers."
+1

He does struggle a lot

eunans4ever (Donegal) - Posts: 1614 - 12/02/2024 11:48:42    2525604

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Momentum and form is built on high expectations, applies at club level all the way through. Home advantage can account for a large swing in fortune if the crowd's energy is right. We start at a higher base in 2024 than in 2011 both in terms of ability and expectation from fans and team.

There was a paltry crowd of 7k who turned up for the minor-senior double-header v Antrim 2011. This could arguably be matched this weekend in the third round of Div 2 v Fermanagh!!! Expectations are important, but the fear is that happens when the expectations aren't matched how does the crowd react. Positivity is key.

SurelyToGod (Donegal) - Posts: 420 - 12/02/2024 11:52:39    2525609

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Replying To eunans4ever:  "Missed the question you asked "once" as you post a lot of stuff nobody reads most of the time I'd imagine.

The answer to the question is that people think it was Declan Bonner.

The correct answer is that it was John Haran and Maxi Curran that brought Sean back into the GAA world from soccer."
No they didn't bonner brought him in, I think he was with Sligo rov at the time. His first game was a mc kenna cup game. Nice try your answer sums you up. Good managers are always thinking outside the box.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2527 - 12/02/2024 12:09:35    2525618

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