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Donegal GAA thread

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There's a 50% chance we'll play tyrone or derry in the first round of the group stages, 2 weeks after the ulster final (win or lose).

There's no sense in fielding a weakened team in that game either because, although only 1 team gets knocked out from each group, the top team avoids a preliminary quarter final which is a serious incentive to win all your group games

With this in mind it's crucial our fringe players (mc colgan, mc kelvey, odhran doc, Kevin mcgettigan etc ) are up to championship pace because with such a relentless schedule there's going to be players picking up knocks.

High_and_wide (Donegal) - Posts: 77 - 30/04/2024 09:38:22    2541695

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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32:  "One of them frees took a minute to take which is too long."
There absolutely is an issue with the whole ceromony of bringing goalkeepers up to take long range frees, if the referee is adding on time because of it i have no issue with it, if any other player on the field took that long it would be a hop ball, glaring insconsistencies here

totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 924 - 30/04/2024 09:42:38    2541697

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Replying To peiledoir20:  "I think it's absolutely farcical that counties can re draw counties they've already met in their province.

Say for example Donegal do come through and win a bruising Ulster campaign, as a reward they can draw either Derry or Tyrone again. And Dublin can hockey Meath again? BS.

Let the Dubs or Kerry draw Tyrone or Derry in the groups to make up for the handy games they had in their province."
Absolutely 100% agree, this has been a problem since the advent of the back door qualifier system in the 2000's, its a joke that Donegal could potentially end up with Derry and Tyrone in our group after playing them in the Ulster Championship.

The All Ireland series is designed to benefit Dublin, Kerry etc, no competitive games until the All Ireland series starts, then avoid tough teams until the QF when the group stage will have warmed them up nicely. Like Ulster finalists will be in action 6-7 days after the Provincial final, we seen Donegal v Tyrone at the weekend and how tough that is on a short turnaround.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1123 - 30/04/2024 09:54:23    2541701

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Replying To peiledoir20:  "I think it's absolutely farcical that counties can re draw counties they've already met in their province.

Say for example Donegal do come through and win a bruising Ulster campaign, as a reward they can draw either Derry or Tyrone again. And Dublin can hockey Meath again? BS.

Let the Dubs or Kerry draw Tyrone or Derry in the groups to make up for the handy games they had in their province."
100% tá an ceart agat.

It's ludicrous that we could find ourselves in a situation where we could end up playing either Derry or Tyrone again in the groups. Fair enough if we're drawn against them later on when it gets to knockout.

Worst case scenario, if we win Ulster could leave us in a group like below:

Donegal
Mayo
Derry
Cavan

Best case scenario:

Donegal
Clare
Roscommon
Westmeath

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9189 - 30/04/2024 10:53:09    2541714

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "100% tá an ceart agat.

It's ludicrous that we could find ourselves in a situation where we could end up playing either Derry or Tyrone again in the groups. Fair enough if we're drawn against them later on when it gets to knockout.

Worst case scenario, if we win Ulster could leave us in a group like below:

Donegal
Mayo
Derry
Cavan

Best case scenario:

Donegal
Clare
Roscommon
Westmeath"
I agree completely. The reward for having to play tough teams in Ulster would be to not have to play them again in the group stage. This happened with Monaghan and Derry past year.

WanPintWin (Galway) - Posts: 2066 - 30/04/2024 11:25:58    2541730

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Replying To Commodore:  "Absolutely 100% agree, this has been a problem since the advent of the back door qualifier system in the 2000's, its a joke that Donegal could potentially end up with Derry and Tyrone in our group after playing them in the Ulster Championship.

The All Ireland series is designed to benefit Dublin, Kerry etc, no competitive games until the All Ireland series starts, then avoid tough teams until the QF when the group stage will have warmed them up nicely. Like Ulster finalists will be in action 6-7 days after the Provincial final, we seen Donegal v Tyrone at the weekend and how tough that is on a short turnaround."
With only 16 teams in it I think if repeat pairing wernt allowed it could take ages to make the draw. I think it's a good thing that teams can meet each other again. Imagine donegal playing Derry or Tyrone again even if it's away from home the interest that would be in it plus it's good for the young lads to be getting playing in these full house games.. . We shudnt fear the Ulster teams. Outside Dublin Kerry we're well capable of beating anybody else.. but I honestly believe we would fall short especially in croke park against these two. But this time next year would be a different matter..

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2423 - 30/04/2024 11:34:20    2541732

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Replying To WanPintWin:  "I agree completely. The reward for having to play tough teams in Ulster would be to not have to play them again in the group stage. This happened with Monaghan and Derry past year."
Yes say for example Dublin or Kerry got a group with Armagh and Derry their cakewalk to the knockout phase wouldn't be as straight-forward then. It's ridiculous that the draw is on today as well. A provincial finalist could be better off losing the final because they'll know where they'll land if they do so.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9189 - 30/04/2024 11:35:12    2541733

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "100% tá an ceart agat.

It's ludicrous that we could find ourselves in a situation where we could end up playing either Derry or Tyrone again in the groups. Fair enough if we're drawn against them later on when it gets to knockout.

Worst case scenario, if we win Ulster could leave us in a group like below:

Donegal
Mayo
Derry
Cavan

Best case scenario:

Donegal
Clare
Roscommon
Westmeath"
I think a few are getting ahead of themselves. The Ulster Final will be the only thing on Jim's mind and rightly so.
IF we win Ulster then the Groups will take care of themselves.
The bounce we get IF we win Ulster will put us in a great position and I feel then we will be in bonus territory as far as the rest of the season is concerned.

Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 301 - 30/04/2024 13:05:15    2541777

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Replying To rorysboys:  "With only 16 teams in it I think if repeat pairing wernt allowed it could take ages to make the draw. I think it's a good thing that teams can meet each other again. Imagine donegal playing Derry or Tyrone again even if it's away from home the interest that would be in it plus it's good for the young lads to be getting playing in these full house games.. . We shudnt fear the Ulster teams. Outside Dublin Kerry we're well capable of beating anybody else.. but I honestly believe we would fall short especially in croke park against these two. But this time next year would be a different matter.."
Totally agree with your points. Ulster is the strong province and we are so lucky to be part of it.

Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 301 - 30/04/2024 13:09:50    2541780

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Yes say for example Dublin or Kerry got a group with Armagh and Derry their cakewalk to the knockout phase wouldn't be as straight-forward then. It's ridiculous that the draw is on today as well. A provincial finalist could be better off losing the final because they'll know where they'll land if they do so."
If you take a step back and you're ultimate goal is the all Ireland then you might choose to do what Donegal did last year and not perform in Ulster, get a good bank of training in and target from the group stages onwards.
And if it wasn't for this kind of one for everybody in the audience approach and say only the top two would qualify and Donegal would have been in the quarters last year.
As it stands with three getting out there isn't enough jeopardy in the groups and Monaghan actually benefitted in losing to Donegal last year.

In saying all that there is such a better buzz this year. People are really interested again and really looking forward to the Ulster final. There will be a packed house with two teams giving everything to win. We've only won ten finals and last too many finals over the last ten years and I'm really looking forward to the build up and the match.

Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 703 - 30/04/2024 13:19:30    2541790

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Yes say for example Dublin or Kerry got a group with Armagh and Derry their cakewalk to the knockout phase wouldn't be as straight-forward then. It's ridiculous that the draw is on today as well. A provincial finalist could be better off losing the final because they'll know where they'll land if they do so."
That's what I can't figure out, why is this draw being made before the provincial finals?
only in Ireland I suppose is the answer.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 2777 - 30/04/2024 13:39:51    2541798

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Yes say for example Dublin or Kerry got a group with Armagh and Derry their cakewalk to the knockout phase wouldn't be as straight-forward then. It's ridiculous that the draw is on today as well. A provincial finalist could be better off losing the final because they'll know where they'll land if they do so."
Nobody wants to lose a provincial final it doesn't matter who your paired with afterwards. Mc Guinness and mc geeney will want to win simple as I know your not saying that any of them will want to lose it. Ulster finals are expensive days especially for families . So today's draw means nothing Sunday week. It's probably on early because the Munster and Connaught finals are on this week so they play the week before Leinster Ulster teams

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2423 - 30/04/2024 13:57:55    2541806

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Yes say for example Dublin or Kerry got a group with Armagh and Derry their cakewalk to the knockout phase wouldn't be as straight-forward then. It's ridiculous that the draw is on today as well. A provincial finalist could be better off losing the final because they'll know where they'll land if they do so."
I dont understand your logic that you could be better off losing a provincial final?
Surely its better to avoid Dublin, Kerry or Mayo/Galway after them winning their province regardless of the third place team?

Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 301 - 30/04/2024 13:59:22    2541811

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Replying To Scenicparish:  "I think a few are getting ahead of themselves. The Ulster Final will be the only thing on Jim's mind and rightly so.
IF we win Ulster then the Groups will take care of themselves.
The bounce we get IF we win Ulster will put us in a great position and I feel then we will be in bonus territory as far as the rest of the season is concerned."
Yes that is another way of looking at it I suppose. Look it's patently clear that Jim McGuinness values the Ulster Championship immensely and will be going hammer and tongs to win it. And rightly so.

But as peiledoir mentioned earlier though, it just rankles a bit that Dublin and Kerry can canter along in their provinces, and then when the compeition opens up nationally they are still somewhat protected. Whereas a bloodied and bruised Ulster winner can end up having to play the same opponent again.

I think no matter what happens this group has the wherewithal to reach the quarters regardless of what the groups throw up. The football will be coming thick and fast so we'll need a lot of luck with injuries and avoiding any suspensions.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9189 - 30/04/2024 14:20:43    2541819

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If we win Ulster:

Donegal
Clare
Tyrone
Cork

If we lose Ulster final:

Galway/Mayo
Donegal
Derry
Westmeath

Winning Ulster is the way to go after all :D :D

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9189 - 30/04/2024 15:18:01    2541840

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The reward for beating Tyrone and Derry....you get to play one of them again...joke

totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 924 - 30/04/2024 15:34:37    2541871

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Yes that is another way of looking at it I suppose. Look it's patently clear that Jim McGuinness values the Ulster Championship immensely and will be going hammer and tongs to win it. And rightly so.

But as peiledoir mentioned earlier though, it just rankles a bit that Dublin and Kerry can canter along in their provinces, and then when the compeition opens up nationally they are still somewhat protected. Whereas a bloodied and bruised Ulster winner can end up having to play the same opponent again.

I think no matter what happens this group has the wherewithal to reach the quarters regardless of what the groups throw up. The football will be coming thick and fast so we'll need a lot of luck with injuries and avoiding any suspensions."
Advantage Kerry & Dublin?

Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 301 - 30/04/2024 15:37:17    2541876

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "If we win Ulster:

Donegal
Clare
Tyrone
Cork

If we lose Ulster final:

Galway/Mayo
Donegal
Derry
Westmeath

Winning Ulster is the way to go after all :D :D"
No doubt but Kerry and Dublin have another huge advantage......

Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 301 - 30/04/2024 15:43:21    2541888

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Replying To Scenicparish:  "No doubt but Kerry and Dublin have another huge advantage......"
I don't think Dublin do in fairness

They get the Connacht losers

And the best seeded 4 team Cavan

if they got Derry or Tyrone it would have been a right group of death

Al_Maguire (Donegal) - Posts: 248 - 30/04/2024 15:49:07    2541894

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Replying To totalrecall:  "The reward for beating Tyrone and Derry....you get to play one of them again...joke"
It's not ideal. But look if we win Ulster you'd have to fancy us to beat Clare and Cork, regardless of what happens in the Tyrone match

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9189 - 30/04/2024 15:49:27    2541895

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