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Donegal GAA thread

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If we play to our strengths as has been said we have a very good chance of doing well with the talent we have in this county, if we go out and try and win games instead of going out trying not to lose them like we set up in this years Ulster final we can take anyone on,
as regards winning the All Ireland we have to get to a semi final and final first, that's a very good Kerry team that won yesterday and they will only get better as them lads mature but on a given day we are well capable of giving them a run for the money same as Galway did,
Things have evened up a bit since Dublin are rebuilding and there's a group of teams ahead of us alright but a lot of that is down to the way we have been coached and set up this last few years, that can change very quick with the right manager in charge.
As long as we at least have a go I'll be happy enough, that endless lateral recycling rubbish with no end product we have been playing has to change.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3194 - 25/07/2022 13:30:35    2434234

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Replying To rorysboys:  "We can talk all we like the elephant in the room is man marking defenders. I agree alot with you, but going to croke park to play the big teams you need a tight marking defence. Might do ok in Ulster but I feel that is the limit. This Kerry team is going to get better, Galway will get better as will Tyrone and Dublin. After that Armagh, mayo. Derry and ourselves but can't see anybody Winning it outside the first four I named. Add in the fact we're losing about 2 or 3 regulars from last year. I feel we could be in the doldrums a while.. we need a Donegal man in who's prepared to gave youth a chance not some outsider who doesn't care what happens down the line."
Man markers are important for sure. I'd love to see Morrison back at full tilt after his horrific injury. I guess we'll see in the upcoming club championship what kind of level he is now at. I think if Stephen McMenamin could get a proper good injury free run at it he has the ability to be a good county man marker. In that super 8 game against Kerry a few years back he did a decent job on Clifford if I remember rightly. But he seems to have stuggled with niggly injuries a lot in the past few years which has hampered his development.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9766 - 25/07/2022 13:39:52    2434241

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Your right there. I forgot that with bonner gone now the posters have no criticising to do. Should be a few candidates for the job around letterkenny lad . You never mentioned your preferred candidate. A lot of people with plenty to say have suddenly gone quiet.. probably a lot of them can't debate football without abusing good Donegal gaa men."
You have no issue abusing people on here every day Of the week

eunans4ever (Donegal) - Posts: 1694 - 25/07/2022 14:24:04    2434278

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Replying To eunans4ever:  "You have no issue abusing people on here every day Of the week"
He reminds me of the lad the comes into the local and clears it in half an hour.

peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1202 - 25/07/2022 14:44:24    2434287

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Your post sums up the problem with Donegal. Over hyped because too many believe we are something we're not. Your on about picking a right manager that's ok but when big games are played in clones or croke park it's the players who have to deliver.. a manager can help us win a game but it's the players that really matter Murphy . Mc fadden, big neill etc in 2012.. have we them type of players now I don't think so."
We do have the players, but we lack strong management and that is not a veiled dig at Declan Bonner. I'm referring to within the County, we seem to lack quality club and underage managers and it impacts the development.
Its an issue that is not exclusive to Donegal, but it is something I feel we as County should be trying to work on ourselves rather than sitting around waiting to copy the next fad that Dublin or Kerry are doing.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1344 - 25/07/2022 14:57:21    2434294

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Replying To rorysboys:  "We can talk all we like the elephant in the room is man marking defenders. I agree alot with you, but going to croke park to play the big teams you need a tight marking defence. Might do ok in Ulster but I feel that is the limit. This Kerry team is going to get better, Galway will get better as will Tyrone and Dublin. After that Armagh, mayo. Derry and ourselves but can't see anybody Winning it outside the first four I named. Add in the fact we're losing about 2 or 3 regulars from last year. I feel we could be in the doldrums a while.. we need a Donegal man in who's prepared to gave youth a chance not some outsider who doesn't care what happens down the line."
Who gone Rory? What clubs they from?

TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1208 - 25/07/2022 15:47:18    2434326

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Replying To TheRock2121:  "Who gone Rory? What clubs they from?"
Il let the next management reveal that. Wudnt be fair naming players now. And by the way I'm not bluffing.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2616 - 25/07/2022 15:59:31    2434335

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Replying To Commodore:  "We do have the players, but we lack strong management and that is not a veiled dig at Declan Bonner. I'm referring to within the County, we seem to lack quality club and underage managers and it impacts the development.
Its an issue that is not exclusive to Donegal, but it is something I feel we as County should be trying to work on ourselves rather than sitting around waiting to copy the next fad that Dublin or Kerry are doing."
Easy saying lad we lack strong management. Maybe we lack strong personalities player wise. Was out and about at a few games at the weekend and the one thing that kept been repeated was that we're nowhere near as good as we are built up to be.. so if the new manager comes in and fails do we still blame the manager. There comes a time when we'll have to look elsewhere for the blame game.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2616 - 25/07/2022 16:05:04    2434340

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Galway were 5/10 minutes away from Sam Maguire yesterday and if that's not enough reason to think we can get more out of our current group then I don't know what is. This idea that we won't be near major honours for years to come is just a lazy, defeatist notion, the type of apathetic thinking that plagued this county for many years. I'm excited about the group of players we have but tentative about who is appointed next. It could make or break a number of careers. We are as good as anyone if we can get our act together and get the players playing on the edge, with greater physicality, more attacking ambition and a stronger psychological base.

Donegal_abroad (Donegal) - Posts: 1415 - 25/07/2022 16:09:05    2434344

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Easy saying lad we lack strong management. Maybe we lack strong personalities player wise. Was out and about at a few games at the weekend and the one thing that kept been repeated was that we're nowhere near as good as we are built up to be.. so if the new manager comes in and fails do we still blame the manager. There comes a time when we'll have to look elsewhere for the blame game."
Go on lad give us an example of a player lacking the personality.

papa_pump (Donegal) - Posts: 71 - 25/07/2022 16:50:21    2434361

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In a perfect world I'd prefer to see a Donegal man in charge. At this time I think the vacancy comes too early for Rory Kavanagh who has only one year under the belt, and Martin Regan is short on time and only came back to Glenties because they were in a bit of a pickle if he didn't agree to stay on. Internally that probably leaves Martin McHugh and The Whale. Hard to get excited about that, although one thing about McHugh is surely he'd be able to get Ryan and Paddy firing again, as both players have been struggling in the bigger games lately. Leo McLoone, Karl Lacey, Eamon McGee etc are all far too raw to be considered for anything other than selector.

We need to go after Malachy O Rourke. He's the one man in Ulster that could match Jim. We could learn a lot from Monaghan as a county in general. Look at their underage teams as an example of getting the most out of a modest population.

Wouldn't entertain talk of Enda McGinley. Nor Jim. If Jim wanted it I'd give it to him in the morning, but we'll never see him on the sideline again.

It'll go one of two ways for me. Go with Martin for 2 or 3 years, and groom an ex player such as Leo at underage before a torch passing, or go for Malachy O Rourke now and make a statement that we aren't going to just sit back and let Derry/Armagh think they run Ulster. I'll be hoping for the latter of them options.

papa_pump (Donegal) - Posts: 71 - 25/07/2022 16:59:32    2434369

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Replying To papa_pump:  "Go on lad give us an example of a player lacking the personality."
Out of respect I won't name any player. These lads gave everything for Donegal football. Just because you don't agree with me so what. It's my opinion .

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2616 - 25/07/2022 17:58:57    2434394

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The reality is there are very few top quality managers out there that can get the best out of teams. Dublin are struggling since jim gavin left.
Kerry had to go back to O'connor to get success, although they have a good panel of players.
Joyce has improved galway, but ultimately will he get an all Ireland.
But that doesn't mean you cant go and try find a real top quality manager.
People say we haven't got the players or finances to compete with the top teams.
But i guarantee if we get a top quality manager, we will see an improvement in the team, And with that the finances will improve.
Remember we were in the same position pre 2011, supporter's completely lost faith in the team, and one man came in and changed the mentality of the team, and the supporter's bought into it.
That man had the mentality that every team in Ireland was capable of competing, and had 15 to 20 good footballers in it.
So this idea that we are not good enough and the players are not there just doesn't sit well with me.
The right management will find players, and also improve the ones that are already there, and before you know it, we have a team that will hold there own with anyone.
So thats why its all about the management.

The keeper (Donegal) - Posts: 711 - 25/07/2022 18:56:53    2434412

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Out of respect I won't name any player. These lads gave everything for Donegal football. Just because you don't agree with me so what. It's my opinion ."
You were brave enough to say players lack the mentality but can't back it up when questioned. Typical.

papa_pump (Donegal) - Posts: 71 - 26/07/2022 07:52:59    2434442

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Replying To Donegal_abroad:  "Galway were 5/10 minutes away from Sam Maguire yesterday and if that's not enough reason to think we can get more out of our current group then I don't know what is. This idea that we won't be near major honours for years to come is just a lazy, defeatist notion, the type of apathetic thinking that plagued this county for many years. I'm excited about the group of players we have but tentative about who is appointed next. It could make or break a number of careers. We are as good as anyone if we can get our act together and get the players playing on the edge, with greater physicality, more attacking ambition and a stronger psychological base."
Totally agree. Even if Sam is ultimately beyond us it's no reason to just down tools & accept mediocrity. We should aspire to be the absolute best we can be. Living on past glories is a dangerous thing. Just look at Down and Meath for example. Our standards improved ten-fold in the last decade. It's vital that we don't squander it and instead look to further develop and improve.

We're still a Division One team and there is a core group of players there still who can compete with the best on their day. It's imperative that they're given the right tools and direction to succeed though. Now, I know that's easy to say because everything costs money these days. But within reason, I hope the county board do their utmost to acquire the best that they can.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9766 - 26/07/2022 09:28:12    2434452

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Replying To The keeper:  "The reality is there are very few top quality managers out there that can get the best out of teams. Dublin are struggling since jim gavin left.
Kerry had to go back to O'connor to get success, although they have a good panel of players.
Joyce has improved galway, but ultimately will he get an all Ireland.
But that doesn't mean you cant go and try find a real top quality manager.
People say we haven't got the players or finances to compete with the top teams.
But i guarantee if we get a top quality manager, we will see an improvement in the team, And with that the finances will improve.
Remember we were in the same position pre 2011, supporter's completely lost faith in the team, and one man came in and changed the mentality of the team, and the supporter's bought into it.
That man had the mentality that every team in Ireland was capable of competing, and had 15 to 20 good footballers in it.
So this idea that we are not good enough and the players are not there just doesn't sit well with me.
The right management will find players, and also improve the ones that are already there, and before you know it, we have a team that will hold there own with anyone.
So thats why its all about the management."
Will you ever get it into your head that it takes more than a manager to win an all Ireland. Would we have win an all Ireland without Murphy in 2012 no we wudnt. Would Kerry have beaten Galway without Clifford no they wudnt. Yet you say Kerry win because they have good players. You don't mention Mc Guinness because I accused you of mentioning him in every post previously. Yet what is stopping him being Donegal manager. Answer that. Hope he gets it then we'll see if your predictions come through.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2616 - 26/07/2022 09:44:07    2434453

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Easy saying lad we lack strong management. Maybe we lack strong personalities player wise. Was out and about at a few games at the weekend and the one thing that kept been repeated was that we're nowhere near as good as we are built up to be.. so if the new manager comes in and fails do we still blame the manager. There comes a time when we'll have to look elsewhere for the blame game."
I disagree regarding players, I do think there are players in the Donegal starting lineup based on their name or performances years ago and there are players in the extended Donegal squad who are not at the required standard, but I don't doubt their effort or desire to play for Donegal and I respect that management may see something I do not, so I understand my opinion is not concrete.

I'm not being a keyboard warrior here, I would be happy to attend a get together of Donegal HS posters and explain my opinions supported by match evidence.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1344 - 26/07/2022 09:46:29    2434456

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Replying To papa_pump:  "You were brave enough to say players lack the mentality but can't back it up when questioned. Typical."
I'm not like you and some other posters. I appreciate what players and management put in. I won't name anybody. . Are you trying to tell me our players are mentally strong.. what's brave about saying that players weren't mentally strong. Stupid reply I must say but I expect no better.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2616 - 26/07/2022 09:49:22    2434458

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Will you ever get it into your head that it takes more than a manager to win an all Ireland. Would we have win an all Ireland without Murphy in 2012 no we wudnt. Would Kerry have beaten Galway without Clifford no they wudnt. Yet you say Kerry win because they have good players. You don't mention Mc Guinness because I accused you of mentioning him in every post previously. Yet what is stopping him being Donegal manager. Answer that. Hope he gets it then we'll see if your predictions come through."
So how did we get nowhere with Michael Murphy under John Joe and yet win the All Ireland in 2012 under Jim McGuiness with practically the same set of players? It took that 'manager' to make that team 'more' than a manager.

For me what is wrong with our current squad is the mentality isn't right

They have the talent - certainly

But we haven't seen their true potential because they don't have that 'we are not going to be defeated' belief and mentality a good manager will instill

Just because a poster is from Glenties doesn't mean he speaks for Jim McGuinness - that's not really a sensible argument is it? Jims reasons for going or not going are his own.

And it's deflecting from any arguments that our previous manager, as likeable as he was, wasn't instilling that win at all costs mentality the team was lacking.

So we curtently don't know if the team aren't good enough - because he didn't get them to that level.

Certainly, they appear to have more potential than any team Jim inherited in 2011.

Al_Maguire (Donegal) - Posts: 263 - 26/07/2022 09:58:16    2434461

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Totally agree. Even if Sam is ultimately beyond us it's no reason to just down tools & accept mediocrity. We should aspire to be the absolute best we can be. Living on past glories is a dangerous thing. Just look at Down and Meath for example. Our standards improved ten-fold in the last decade. It's vital that we don't squander it and instead look to further develop and improve.

We're still a Division One team and there is a core group of players there still who can compete with the best on their day. It's imperative that they're given the right tools and direction to succeed though. Now, I know that's easy to say because everything costs money these days. But within reason, I hope the county board do their utmost to acquire the best that they can."
I don't think SAM is beyond us at all, I didn't think Tyrone were all that last year and I also didn't think Kerry were great shakes this year (David Clifford aside), no reason why we can't challenge for the All Ireland.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1344 - 26/07/2022 10:35:18    2434472

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