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Replying To gunman: "What is a small club.Is it population,interest tradition,success or what.Your own club has a huge population to pick from viz Newton,Killea,St Johnstone,Carrigans and I presume the Parish of Drumoghill i.e Manor as well.As you say you won Ulster Ulster in 2017 which means talent comes in cycles.But looking in from the outside I would say your biggest problem is lack of tradition and a big number of soccer clubs.People talk about the system they have in Kerry but Kerrys biggest thing is the tradition and interest they have.In an area like yours or Lifford it would take a lot of work from a lot of dedicated people to change things.Big Senior clubs like Kilcar and Naomh Connaill would have far less of a population than some of the "mini clubs"." I'd say keeping players involved beyond the age of 16 seems is the biggest headache for a lot of clubs in North and East Donegal, as there tends to be a massive drop off in participation after mid-teens.
I would say the percentage of the local Community heavily interested in the local club in places like Newtowncunningham, Lifford, Castlefin, Killygordon etc isn't at the same levels as similar sized villages/towns like Kilcar, Glenties/Fintown or Dunfanaghy/Cresslough. It probably is down to options to play other sports like Soccer etc, whereas if you live in Kilcar or Glenties etc, Gaelic football is probably the only option.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1492 - 25/09/2025 13:13:33
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Replying To Commodore: "I'd say keeping players involved beyond the age of 16 seems is the biggest headache for a lot of clubs in North and East Donegal, as there tends to be a massive drop off in participation after mid-teens.
I would say the percentage of the local Community heavily interested in the local club in places like Newtowncunningham, Lifford, Castlefin, Killygordon etc isn't at the same levels as similar sized villages/towns like Kilcar, Glenties/Fintown or Dunfanaghy/Cresslough. It probably is down to options to play other sports like Soccer etc, whereas if you live in Kilcar or Glenties etc, Gaelic football is probably the only option." A lot of soccer in those areas you've mentioned
farneygael3 (Monaghan) - Posts: 414 - 25/09/2025 17:13:33
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Well it's the final pairing of naomh conail v gweedore.
Should be a cracker of a final provided naomh conail have no injuries after yesterday's tough encounter with four masters.
I have to hand it to my beloved club, Down there best player in k Thomson the entire championship, lost E mcgettigan this past two games, and still battled through. Some fine new additions to the team in Malone, Campbell and big Gallagher in midfield caught unreal ball in the middle yesterday. Not to mention our war ready old guard of b mcdyer and A Thomson, leo who are in there 20th championship.
Four masters and Def a team going forward and will be back, but the experience told in the end.
A tough battle awaits, but proud of our club
The keeper (Donegal) - Posts: 732 - 29/09/2025 06:11:40
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Monday morning and the Glenties are in another Co.Final!! Fair play!!
Sets up a titanic double header in two weeks with both clubs in the reserve and senior final.
Four masters were very raw in some of their decision making yesterday on their attacking play that I feel cost them. Glenties seem to get them wee breaks that go their way esp the goal with the break of the kick out landing in Kevin's path. But look Glenties will have two weeks to recover as they ere cramping and boys going off with niggles.
Gweedore seem to like to start off slow and like to claw back points, maybe they play better this way. St.Michaels didn't really have much to offer other than Langan and McLaughlin so very hard to know where Gweedore are.
Whyme923 (Donegal) - Posts: 112 - 29/09/2025 09:57:50
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Was at the game yesterday experience win it in the end. Four masters had there chances but too many sides proved costly. What's the story on the young four masters keeper being penalised for a slow kickout. Pretty harsh decision. A bit of common sense wudnt go amiss. From watching the decision the goalie was just looking for options and it slowed the kick down. It was the first half of the game and there was no intention to delay the play.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2671 - 29/09/2025 11:52:16
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Replying To rorysboys: "Was at the game yesterday experience win it in the end. Four masters had there chances but too many sides proved costly. What's the story on the young four masters keeper being penalised for a slow kickout. Pretty harsh decision. A bit of common sense wudnt go amiss. From watching the decision the goalie was just looking for options and it slowed the kick down. It was the first half of the game and there was no intention to delay the play." It's a thing referees are pulling goal keepers up for, it happened us in the first five minutes against killybegs.
It must be something they are instructed to do.
I think it was harsh also, and it gives keepers no time whatsoever to make a decision.
A big part of the game now is having a good keeper that finds his man, and is a big part of a teams tactic. By rushing them, that takes it away.
And I believe the referee has every right to make that decision if the keeper is wasting time, but in a lot of cases against and for us, I believe they were not given enough time.
The keeper (Donegal) - Posts: 732 - 29/09/2025 13:37:28
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Replying To rorysboys: "Was at the game yesterday experience win it in the end. Four masters had there chances but too many sides proved costly. What's the story on the young four masters keeper being penalised for a slow kickout. Pretty harsh decision. A bit of common sense wudnt go amiss. From watching the decision the goalie was just looking for options and it slowed the kick down. It was the first half of the game and there was no intention to delay the play." Was watching in on the stream and it looked very harsh. He wasn't trying to take long over the kickout. The punishment of a free in front of the post is also too harsh but that's not the refs fault.
I think Four masters also gave away another three points for not handing the ball to the NC player and it being moved 50 metres. It was poor discipline given the consequences, though the punishment of allowing a team kick a two pointer for the opposition for not handing the ball over is too much as well. A one point concession is more than adequate.
Overall fm did show inexperience. 15 wides and some of the shot selection that went with it wasn't great. They also got caught rotten for the goal and had pressed too much up the field on the kickout.
NC have some fine young players coming through. It's coupled though with some hardened veterans is worth a lot.
One of the posters seemed quite excited about the final being a cracker. I hope it is but can't see it happening. These teams don't have a tactic of going out to play crackers!
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 951 - 29/09/2025 14:21:21
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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32: "Was watching in on the stream and it looked very harsh. He wasn't trying to take long over the kickout. The punishment of a free in front of the post is also too harsh but that's not the refs fault.
I think Four masters also gave away another three points for not handing the ball to the NC player and it being moved 50 metres. It was poor discipline given the consequences, though the punishment of allowing a team kick a two pointer for the opposition for not handing the ball over is too much as well. A one point concession is more than adequate.
Overall fm did show inexperience. 15 wides and some of the shot selection that went with it wasn't great. They also got caught rotten for the goal and had pressed too much up the field on the kickout.
NC have some fine young players coming through. It's coupled though with some hardened veterans is worth a lot.
One of the posters seemed quite excited about the final being a cracker. I hope it is but can't see it happening. These teams don't have a tactic of going out to play crackers!" It's does not have to be 30 points each to be a cracker you know.
I hate the fact that our game is getting rid of all the physical stuff and it's a free for all attacking. The county final that went to 3 games against gweedore a few years ago were not high scoring games. But they were intense and every ball was fought for like your life depended on it. And it drew neutrals from around the county. That to me can be a cracker also.
The keeper (Donegal) - Posts: 732 - 29/09/2025 17:11:11
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Replying To The keeper: "It's does not have to be 30 points each to be a cracker you know.
I hate the fact that our game is getting rid of all the physical stuff and it's a free for all attacking. The county final that went to 3 games against gweedore a few years ago were not high scoring games. But they were intense and every ball was fought for like your life depended on it. And it drew neutrals from around the county. That to me can be a cracker also." Totally agree. If you want mad high scoring games, go to a new pitch opening or a charity match.
Far better to have intense, hard hitting stuff where every score is earned and you have two evenly matched teams scrapping for their lives.
Thr county final is hard to predict, could make a good case for either team.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 10077 - 30/09/2025 09:35:15
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Totally agree. If you want mad high scoring games, go to a new pitch opening or a charity match.
Far better to have intense, hard hitting stuff where every score is earned and you have two evenly matched teams scrapping for their lives.
Thr county final is hard to predict, could make a good case for either team." It could come down to Eoghan McGettigan's availability I feel. If he plays Glenties will shade it, if not it could swing the pendulum in GDs favour.
peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1370 - 30/09/2025 10:23:25
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Yeah I agree, he must have a bad injury if he wasn't used Sunday when the game was in the melting pot! Few of their lads went off with cramp, hopefully they'll be back for the 12th!
Whyme923 (Donegal) - Posts: 112 - 30/09/2025 10:58:09
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Replying To The keeper: "Well it's the final pairing of naomh conail v gweedore.
Should be a cracker of a final provided naomh conail have no injuries after yesterday's tough encounter with four masters.
I have to hand it to my beloved club, Down there best player in k Thomson the entire championship, lost E mcgettigan this past two games, and still battled through. Some fine new additions to the team in Malone, Campbell and big Gallagher in midfield caught unreal ball in the middle yesterday. Not to mention our war ready old guard of b mcdyer and A Thomson, leo who are in there 20th championship.
Four masters and Def a team going forward and will be back, but the experience told in the end.
A tough battle awaits, but proud of our club" The three lads you mentioned were excellent. I'm particular Gallagher. What age is he? Some fielder and athletic too despite the height. Don't know much about Malone either. Campbell is quality any time I've seen him play for Donegal u20s
thebronze14 (Donegal) - Posts: 61 - 30/09/2025 17:48:42
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Replying To The keeper: "It's does not have to be 30 points each to be a cracker you know.
I hate the fact that our game is getting rid of all the physical stuff and it's a free for all attacking. The county final that went to 3 games against gweedore a few years ago were not high scoring games. But they were intense and every ball was fought for like your life depended on it. And it drew neutrals from around the county. That to me can be a cracker also." It's not about 30 points apiece. You decided that's what I meant. Football should be football - and that means kick-passing at its core, not endless hand passing.
Take those Gweedore games. They were intense, no doubt, but they weren't good football. There was no real kick-passing, just cautious, possession-based play: over and back, side to side. Funnily enough in Ulster that year NC actually played a better brand of football.
The new rules are a step forward, but the handpass-to-footpass ratio is still going in the wrong direction. Managers are drilling it into players not to kick inside for fear of losing possession, even with the three players up. Maybe they have to because players don't have the skills to win their own ball anymore.
That mindset though is draining the game of excitement. It's safe, it's structured, but it's boring. It robs football of its natural flair if fielding, kick passing and winning your own ball.
Teams like Gweedore or NC are incredibly well-drilled, and you have to respect that. But it's football that I'm that interested in watching.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 951 - 30/09/2025 20:45:02
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Replying To thebronze14: "The three lads you mentioned were excellent. I'm particular Gallagher. What age is he? Some fielder and athletic too despite the height. Don't know much about Malone either. Campbell is quality any time I've seen him play for Donegal u20s" Kieran gallagher played midfield in the Donegal minors (under 18) in 2016 so I suppose that means he'd 27 sometime this year. Jason McGee was his partner that year. Talk about twin towers.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 951 - 30/09/2025 20:53:57
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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32: "Kieran gallagher played midfield in the Donegal minors (under 18) in 2016 so I suppose that means he'd 27 sometime this year. Jason McGee was his partner that year. Talk about twin towers." 26 I believe, hasn't played a lot of football for naomh conail due to being away, but Def an excellent footballer and fielder. Would love if McGuiness got him for a few years and improved him even more. Be an excellent option for Donegal. But I am not sure if he would commit to that sort of commitment that's required. Be great if he would.
The keeper (Donegal) - Posts: 732 - 30/09/2025 21:53:31
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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32: "It's not about 30 points apiece. You decided that's what I meant. Football should be football - and that means kick-passing at its core, not endless hand passing.
Take those Gweedore games. They were intense, no doubt, but they weren't good football. There was no real kick-passing, just cautious, possession-based play: over and back, side to side. Funnily enough in Ulster that year NC actually played a better brand of football.
The new rules are a step forward, but the handpass-to-footpass ratio is still going in the wrong direction. Managers are drilling it into players not to kick inside for fear of losing possession, even with the three players up. Maybe they have to because players don't have the skills to win their own ball anymore.
That mindset though is draining the game of excitement. It's safe, it's structured, but it's boring. It robs football of its natural flair if fielding, kick passing and winning your own ball.
Teams like Gweedore or NC are incredibly well-drilled, and you have to respect that. But it's football that I'm that interested in watching." I actually agree that teams when in Ulster tend to open up a bit more and play a better brand of football.
However it's about winning and you not going to risk kicking when the opposition are going to smother you when your isolated. But I am not against the odd high ball in the box to a big man, definitely think it's under used.
And let's not pretend that the kicking game was always great football. I have seen plenty of videos of Donegal and other county's kicking aimless ball up the field and it looked terrible in the early 2000s.
It hand passing game can be exciting also, it just takes someone during the move to attack the opposition at speed, something that four masters and naomh conail did last wkend.
I think our game is improving, my only worry is there taking the physical contact out of it.
The keeper (Donegal) - Posts: 732 - 30/09/2025 22:05:40
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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32: "It's not about 30 points apiece. You decided that's what I meant. Football should be football - and that means kick-passing at its core, not endless hand passing.
Take those Gweedore games. They were intense, no doubt, but they weren't good football. There was no real kick-passing, just cautious, possession-based play: over and back, side to side. Funnily enough in Ulster that year NC actually played a better brand of football.
The new rules are a step forward, but the handpass-to-footpass ratio is still going in the wrong direction. Managers are drilling it into players not to kick inside for fear of losing possession, even with the three players up. Maybe they have to because players don't have the skills to win their own ball anymore.
That mindset though is draining the game of excitement. It's safe, it's structured, but it's boring. It robs football of its natural flair if fielding, kick passing and winning your own ball.
Teams like Gweedore or NC are incredibly well-drilled, and you have to respect that. But it's football that I'm that interested in watching." We've to remember , you're interested in watching, players are interested in that medal.
Whyme923 (Donegal) - Posts: 112 - 30/09/2025 22:12:17
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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32: "Kieran gallagher played midfield in the Donegal minors (under 18) in 2016 so I suppose that means he'd 27 sometime this year. Jason McGee was his partner that year. Talk about twin towers." I remember Gallagher and McGee playing for Donegal minors up in Cavan,I think it was against Monaghan as a curtain raiser to a Donegal v Monaghan senior game.It could have been 2016 as you mention.McGee got a brilliant goal but Gallagher was absolutely outstanding that day.What happened him after that,did he lose interest or was there injuries or what.With the importance of kickouts now he still might be worth a try for the county.
gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1203 - 30/09/2025 22:54:11
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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32: "It's not about 30 points apiece. You decided that's what I meant. Football should be football - and that means kick-passing at its core, not endless hand passing.
Take those Gweedore games. They were intense, no doubt, but they weren't good football. There was no real kick-passing, just cautious, possession-based play: over and back, side to side. Funnily enough in Ulster that year NC actually played a better brand of football.
The new rules are a step forward, but the handpass-to-footpass ratio is still going in the wrong direction. Managers are drilling it into players not to kick inside for fear of losing possession, even with the three players up. Maybe they have to because players don't have the skills to win their own ball anymore.
That mindset though is draining the game of excitement. It's safe, it's structured, but it's boring. It robs football of its natural flair if fielding, kick passing and winning your own ball.
Teams like Gweedore or NC are incredibly well-drilled, and you have to respect that. But it's football that I'm that interested in watching." Tomas Rooney and Cahair O'Kane were talking about this very subject on OTB last night.
They suggested that rules to limit hand-passing would be near impossible to implement at senior level.
It would be better to go right back to underage, and bring in a rule where if you receive a hand-pass then your next pass has to be a kick, or something along those lines. Their theory was that if young players adopt that kick-pass mindset early on, then they'll continue to use it as they progress up the ranks.
The other suggestion was to retry the 4 points for a goal rule. Maybe the big reward would encourage more teams to get the ball inside faster?
Hard to please everyone I suppose.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 10077 - 01/10/2025 10:13:59
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Replying To Lockjaw: "Tomas Rooney and Cahair O'Kane were talking about this very subject on OTB last night.
They suggested that rules to limit hand-passing would be near impossible to implement at senior level.
It would be better to go right back to underage, and bring in a rule where if you receive a hand-pass then your next pass has to be a kick, or something along those lines. Their theory was that if young players adopt that kick-pass mindset early on, then they'll continue to use it as they progress up the ranks.
The other suggestion was to retry the 4 points for a goal rule. Maybe the big reward would encourage more teams to get the ball inside faster?
Hard to please everyone I suppose." the ball in fast only works on a turnover if the other team has sent lads in deep. It's open field then, majority of teams can still sprint back and get into zones that cuts out the kick for example Glenties and Gweedore.
I wouldn't be a fan of handpass and then kick.. it'll turn into the catch and kick we had not so long ago.
Whyme923 (Donegal) - Posts: 112 - 01/10/2025 11:47:43
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