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NFL Division 2 - 8 Like(s)

Replying To waynoI:  "some serious brown tongue-ing goin down on this thread by the way between Donegal and Meath fans :)

Whats that all about ?"
Perhaps it stems from a wee gesture from Meath County secretary Mairead Delaney before the league match in Ballybofey, only days after a terrible tragedy which directly impacted players on the Donegal panel and many fans.

Commodore (National) - 25/03/2019 21:26:51

NFL Division 2 - 6 Like(s)

Replying To lilypad:  "Embarrassed? Get over your snowflake self. At least im honest no patronising pats on the back from me, we were awful against you up there, ive no problem admitting that, but id rather watch us than yous and from a neutral point of view id say if peiple were honest enough theyd agree."
I'd agree with that, Kildare are generally excellent to watch.

Commodore (National) - 26/02/2019 23:12:36

Donegal GAA thread - 6 Like(s)

Replying To rorysboys:  "We don't have the players to play all out attacking football we may have the forwards and midfielders but we do not have man marking defenders. If we had Tyrone's defence I would be confident of Winning the all Ireland. But we don't and from being at the games we seem to have more bodies back this year. No point in kidding ourselves that we have these players when we don't. I'm hearing this on the forum this last few years but nobody seems to have an answer to our defensive problems. The way I see it is if we commit. A lot of players attacking were leaving ourselves very exposed at the back.."
Of course we have the answer to our defensive problems, stop playing Ryan McHugh and Peadar Mogan as wing backs, leaving our full back line exposed.

In fairness Declan Bonner has worked on this and despite the poor quality punditry on League Sunday, I think we aren't actually that bad defensively, last season I thought we looked fine and it was injury and sending off against Tyrone that really cost us.

This is round 2 of the National League, we have conceded an average of 11.5 points so far, scoring 1-11 on average. Yes significant improvement is needed, but I would expect us to improve as we move towards Championship.

Commodore (National) - 06/02/2022 21:11:53

Mayo V Tyrone All-Ireland Football Final - 5 Like(s)

Replying To Curlew66:  "Nothing wrong with any of us putting local rivalries aside and getting behind our provincial winners in the All Ireland series. Galway gave the rest of us hope in '98 and '01 and remain the only team to bring Sam to Connacht in the past 55 years. Tyrone will be boosted by this impressive victory and may well become more formidable in Ulster. Looking at the four semi finalists Tyrone will have the toughest pathway to replicate their provincial win. Odds are that Dublin and Kerry will come through and probably Mayo again unless Galway can maintain their first half performance in the Connacht final for 70 mins . In this century one team from Connacht and Leinster , two from Munster but three from Ulster have won an All Ireland title so our Ulster friends aren't doing too bad at all."
Yeah usually if an Ulster team is contesting an All Ireland final, most fans in the other Ulster counties will be cheering them on (Even if its Tyrone), and 24 hours later immediately looking at how best to take lumps out of them next season.

Commodore (National) - 14/09/2021 13:08:11

Poor Donegal being made to travel to the Hyde - 5 Like(s)

Replying To sponger:  "I wish to pass on my sympathies for the injustices that were bestowed upon your small and impoverished county over the weekend.

Would you like me to set up a Go Fund Me for you, so the next time your team can travel by private jet, with prawn sandwiches on arrival ?

All the best,

Sponger."
That's a mighty kind offer from you Sponger, a private jet would definitely help us overcome the lack of road/rail infrastructure due to decades of neglect by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael parties, as GAA CCCC venue selection for neutral group games certainly doesn't make it easy for us.

Commodore (National) - 16/06/2025 12:54:38

Tyrone Vs Donegal - 4 Like(s)

Replying To Offtheball10:  "The talk of Donegal as a top 3/4 team needs to stop at this stage. Massively overhyped!

When push comes to shove and it's a winner takes all championship game against a good side they far more often than not fall short.

I get the point Ulster is competitive but they haven't won these type of games against non ulster sides either since 2014. No Semi Final performance since 2014 either in all of the different championship formats that have been played in recent years. (back door, super 8's, now back to traditional provincial format)"
I accept Donegal have not reached the All Ireland SF's and have not beaten the likes of Dublin, Mayo or Kerry since 2014, but there have been significant factors that have played into this, so be fair in your analysis.

1. Rory Gallaghers era 2015 - 2017 was the start of a major transition phase, many 2012 All Ireland winners were in their 30's and retiring and he was trying to bleed in new talent, and while I felt it wasn't handled as well as it could have been, it definitely impacted Rory's tenure.

2. Declan Bonner took over in 2018 and he won back to back Ulster titles with a really young side (Avg age 21/22), but just couldn't get us to the next level. Injuries since 2019, particularly defensive injuries have taken a toll on us entering those key games which cost us a place in the All Ireland SF. Team selection has been a big part of it too, but in fairness this was quite often due to injuries.

Neil McGee's injury in the 4th minute against Tyrone, forced us to use a sub at the beginning of the match, meaning we had one less impact sub in the second half in that horrible heat. Michael Murphy's sending off before half time ensured Tyrone's kick-out in the 2nd half would be uncontested, and Tyrone could still put the full press on the Donegal kickout, meaning the percentages would be in Tyrone's favour and they would most like pull away in the 2nd half. Before Murphy was sent off, I actually felt it was an arm wrestle match we would win.

Commodore (National) - 20/07/2021 13:40:34

Move To National Forum Only Model - 4 Like(s)
Not liking the new move, It's going to be off-putting and while I understand some County forums get very little traffic, just looking at the main forum, it's a mess.

Commodore (National) - 30/09/2021 20:43:10

3V1 After Galway Red/Black Card(S) - 4 Like(s)

Replying To PressureKick:  "If it was really 3v1 at all times, as Jim was claiming, then on the numerous occasions that Donegal dispossessed Galway, why didn't they simply launch the ball down the field with a gale at their back? It would've been 3v1 and an almost guaranteed goal

In reality, it was never actually 3v1 up there as Galway kept players back, meaning that Galway had to attack with 9 players most of the time. So exactly as the rule intends

We won't mention that two of the decisions we're at best questionable"
Because it wasn't 3v1 at the Galway end, that was what Jim highlighted.

When Galway went a man down, they played with 2 forwards, Donegal still had to keep 3 back. But when Donegal attacked into Galways half of the field, it was 12 v 12.

When Galway went 2 men down, Galway players with 1 forwards, Donegal still had to keep 3 back. So again when the attacked into Galways half of the field, it was 12 v 12.

Losing two men hampered Galways attack, but defensively they could still protect their huge lead, because defensively they could always maintain the numbers and Donegal could not push an extra man up.

Commodore (National) - 24/02/2025 15:41:39

Donegal GAA thread - 4 Like(s)

Replying To TheFlaker:  "I only have one account here. Hope that's ok with you."
Your on here with a Mayo account and I suspect at least one Donegal account spouting Donegal GAA internal business, what does that make you?

Most of us here who have direct or indirect connections to the Senior panel or County Board would often hear a lot of these stories, but I wouldn't come on here an repeat it on a public forum. I might discuss player fitness or tactics etc, but I usually wouldn't start talking internal business.

Commodore (National) - 06/03/2025 20:49:58

Donegal GAA thread - 3 Like(s)

Replying To marty234:  "Correct me if I'm wrong but was there not 19 years of failure before the messiah arrived and we haven't been to a semi final since he left so accusing him of leaving the ship is a weird statement. We all know bonner a nice fella but it's not about that. He will get few autographs signed etc which is nice but it's his duty as county manager. But what happened sat night proved us all right.3 of most influential players in Gallen , o Donnell and Jason mcgee left on bench last year v Tyrone. Imagine what might have happened had they been brought on. I know some ppl on here have questioned ability of our players but sat proved me right if they are let play we can mix it with the best. Onwards and upwards hopefully"
Oisin Gallen last year was struggling with injury, and was lucky to be on the bench at all,

Conor O'Donnell has shown glimpses of his abilities in recent games, he is still a work in progress and we haven't seen how he will perform when opposition teams start identifying him as a serious threat now, he won't get such a free run.

Jason McGee is finally going in the right direction, but isn't there yet and is behind Caolan McGonigle in my opinion for midfield starting position. He drifts in and out of games, and I felt he kinda lacks energetic drive of top quality midfielders. However his kick passing is outstanding and his point taking, he is one to watch.

Declan Bonner is finally close to settling on his back six, as injuries are starting to finally clear up, and despite the short sighted analysis of the team so far, I think we could finally be about to see the full potential of this squad unleashed this summer.

Commodore (National) - 02/03/2022 09:42:16

Donegal GAA thread - 3 Like(s)

Replying To TheFlaker:  "He's not just going in as 16s coach. There will be more developments with Lacey. Also a couple more of the 2012 winning team will be involved as academy coaches."
Jaysus Mayo man, Did you forget to log-in using your Donegal account/accounts?

Commodore (National) - 04/03/2025 13:04:09

Donegal V Meath - 3 Like(s)

Replying To royaldunne:  "Look it's hard to be by far the better team and get beat. Nothing to do with who donegal brought on, we handed them it on a plate. (Now fair play, they took it) Positives are that fantastic defense we have set up, one of the best in country, mcentee in midfield has eased the pressure there. But up front we still making silly mistakes, should have been out of sight by the last 10 mins."
You clearly weren't the better team by far, at best you were 'marginally' better for 25 mins of 1st half, when you lead by 1 point at half time, and 10-15 mins of 2nd half.

You had a 10 minute purple patch at start of 2nd half, when Meath added 3 points to opened up a 4 point lead, but Donegal quickly re-calibrated and the tide actually turned then and Donegal dominated the last 20 -25 minutes, I should highlight that Meath didn't score for the last 20 minutes.

You're conveniently ignoring the fact you played a very inexperienced Donegal side last night, the majority of which won't make the starting team come Summer. Meath need to be more honest of where they are at, hyping yourselves after your Senior team ran a Donegal 2nd string team close in a league match won't get you anywhere, you need a more honest look at where your at.

Meath have talented players, but considering 2 of our full backs (Brendan McCole & Conor Morrison) are both 21, and debuting in league this year, and our other corner back Caolan Ward wasn't able to make our Championship team last season, should Meath not have ran riot?

Meath should have been better than that.

Commodore (National) - 03/02/2019 14:08:50

Donegal GAA thread - 3 Like(s)

Replying To obreaslainp:  "According to the Democrat, Stephen Rochford could well be gone now.
https://www.donegallive.ie/news/gaa/837809/county-manager-issue-needs-to-be-sorted-before-start-of-club-championship-says-mceniff.html

Who would likely come in to the management team to replace him if Declan Bonner stays on?"
If Declan Bonner stays on and needs to replace Stephen Rochford and others in the backroom team,

1. Michael Boyle would be an ideal candidate, although I think I read that he is in London or abroad these days. He is widely credited as being the mastermind behind Gaobh Dobhair County and Ulster titles in 2018, and is highly regarded. I seen him comment recently about Donegal playing possession football with no intent against Derry, he referenced the 2017 Dublin v Tyrone game as an example of how to attack the mass blanket defence.

2. Frank McGlynn is a smart cookie and someone with a temperament that I can see eventually being a great manager someday, I think it would be good to have his input into player selection and tactical setup, he has done great work with Glenfin.

3. Leo McLoone is another guy who has been involved with underage training for years now, both with Glenties and Donegal U20's, and might be able to contribute positively.

In reality it is unlikely that these guys would be invited in by Declan Bonner, I don't think he has any real connection with any of them, but they are some options.

Commodore (National) - 24/06/2022 09:24:31

Donegal GAA thread - 3 Like(s)

Replying To TheFlaker:  "Are you really that naive to think inter county managers from the top teams don't know what training is going on in other counties ? And that they are relying on information that originated on Hoganstand? Lol"
Are you trying to convince yourself or people who don't mind you supplying inside info that you touting inside information on Donegal GAA on here isn't likely to leak into National Media?

After Kerry manager Jack O'Connor made a jibe about Donegal "Having a lot of work done", he was asked how he knew that, "it was in the newspapers". It was actually being posted on here on HS first, then hinted at in National GAA articles.

Commodore (National) - 10/03/2025 21:08:23

Donegal GAA thread - 3 Like(s)

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 (National) - 12/02/2024 09:15:27

Keep Or Adjust 2 Point Rule? - 3 Like(s)

Replying To GreenandRed:  "Kerry wouldn't have played with the same tactics if there was no two point rule. I think the ruthless form that they were in on Sunday they would have won handily even without two pointers because the Kerry backroom had them so well prepared."
I heard that when Donegal pulled it back to 4 points gap in the 2nd half, under 2024 rules, Donegal would have been leading by 1 point at that stage, which would have been a massive momentum swing.

However regardless, its 2025 and Kerry were deserved winners, no arguments.

Commodore (National) - 30/07/2025 10:28:00

Casement Park - 3 Like(s)

Replying To Viking66:  "Clones is a nice venue but not very handy to most of the population of Ulster, either driving or by public transport. Belfast is by far Ulster's biggest urban area, makes sense having a new stadium in or near there. Although much though I enjoyed going to games in Casement much like Croke Park it's not in an ideal location to drive to. At least Croke Park is better served with public transport for large crowds.
If the main criteria was big championship games somewhere like the end of the M1 around Dungannon would probably make the most sense. But with the cost of new stadia it makes sense to consider other sources of income too."
It sounds like we need two different things here

1. A Fund raising Stadium venue in West Belfast, for concerts, Soccer, Rugby events and the odd Antrim GAA match if those other more profitable events haven't it already booked. A venue Sinn Fein can claim was their achievement.

2. Ulster GAA Provincial Stadium - A top class stadium to serve the 9 counties of Ulster and address the long awkward journey to Clones for many, somewhere central, where people from all 9 counties can access in 1 hour or less. Such a Stadium would be kept busy all year round with County, Club and school events for all codes.

For once they should focus on the needs of Ulster GAA fan base, and I don't mean the needs of Ulster GAA Council or the IRFU, IFA, Aiken promotions or whoever, I mean all the needs of the good people who contribute most of the GAA's funding every year. Also think of the needs of all the clubs and the schools within the 9 Counties.

Commodore (National) - 27/09/2024 13:08:47

Donegal GAA thread - 3 Like(s)
Just want to say thank you to all of the Donegal Squad, management, coaches and people who help behind the scenes, it hasn't been the best year and many fans are frustrated, but I appreciate the time and effort everyone puts in behind the scenes. I appreciate the contribution of Declan Bonner, Stephen Rochford and the other lads, while I might complain here from time to time, Its never personal and is meant with the greatest respect and only discussion with desire to see Donegal play to their potential.

Commodore (National) - 14/06/2022 12:04:22

Why Mayo Cant Win An All-Ireland - 3 Like(s)

Replying To Galway9801:  "Ulster pundits are often asked by the rté to give their opinions on games only involving Southern teams, the BBC would be well within their rights to bring Southern pundits on to their coverage, but I still don't think they will. The idea that only ulstermen should be asked to commentate and analyse ulster games by the BBC is silly,and (whisper it) partitionist.
My original post was in reply to tirchonaill who accused the rté of anti ulster bias, when I called him out on the BBCs anti southern bias you said you didn't agree, without specifying why, instead segueing into their superior coverage.
I allowed myself a smirk when you mentioned their superior camerawork, but I did ask you to be original so I guess that's fair enough, ( I don't think I've ever heard that point being made in relation to any sports coverage since the advent of HD, so it was original I'll give you that)"
I agree they could bring Southern pundits in for Ulster Championship matches covered by BBC, I don't think they are against that, but tbh they don't seem that well organized, as they recently asked Mickey Harte live on air after a match if he would join them the following weekend again.

BBC is allowed very limited coverage to Ulster Championship matches, as many viewers within the six counties don't have terrestrial TV to RTE, and BBC don't have rights to other matches outside of Ulster, so focus is usually fixed to the two teams playing that day.

RTE coverage usually has 3 pundits, Two main guys are Colm O'Rourke (Leinster) and Pat Spillane (Munster), and usually Kevin McStay (Connacht) or Sean Cavanagh (Ulster) join them depending on who is playing that week. RTE have full tv rights to cover all matches from all four Provinces and RTE are funded from all 4 Provinces (Donegal, Cavan & Monaghan in Ulster).

SKY seem to have superior analysis, it think RTE is trying hard to catch up, but SKY is more factual and less political based analysis (No "Lets change the GAA rules and rid our world of this evil" style comments), I prefer listening to Jim McGuinness, James Horan, Kieran Donaghy, Peter Canavan etc, they give a better tactical insight than RTE, my favourite pundits on RTE are actually Kevin McStay and Ciaran Whelan.

Commodore (National) - 20/09/2021 16:11:08

All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2023 - 3 Like(s)
Loving this new format, really great and refreshing for Donegal to get away from the confines of Provincial Football, we've already played Derry, Monaghan in the Group stage and now we're playing......er....Tyrone!!!

Commodore (National) - 19/06/2023 09:26:49