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Replying To Ulsterchamps72: "I heard yesterday that Omagh may come into play if Ballybofey isn't ready." Weather permitting, it should be ready for late Spring. I would have thought Celtic Park in Derry would have been more suitable alternative if needed, considering it technically lays within old Tir Conaill anyway. Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1519 - 01/12/2025 12:48:02 2646623 Link
Replying To dgcrusader: "Heard a rumour Paddy Mc Brearty won't be part of the squad for the season ahead, not sure if it's retirement or taking a year out. Disappointing if true, can be a very good impact sub!" Definitely will be a big loss if that is true, as the inside forward line is where we seem to be a bit light and he has shown real leadership in recent years when Michael stepped away. Heard back in September that Niall O'Donnell won't be part of the panel in 2026, and possibly another couple of players, but Paddy wasn't in that group. Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1519 - 01/12/2025 12:51:09 2646625 Link
And on a completely separate note, the new jersey was supposed to be out on the 27th November and still no sign of it yet. dgcrusader (Donegal) - Posts: 155 - 01/12/2025 13:28:31 2646636 Link
Replying To Commodore: "Definitely will be a big loss if that is true, as the inside forward line is where we seem to be a bit light and he has shown real leadership in recent years when Michael stepped away. Heard back in September that Niall O'Donnell won't be part of the panel in 2026, and possibly another couple of players, but Paddy wasn't in that group." Yes I had heard that McBrearty had gone. He has become a bit part player anyway but still could have had impact. Niall O'Donnell away too along with a few others. Always liked O'Donnell since his U21 days. Will be a loss. It's hard for players to balance professional careers and football especially with the demands McGuinness puts on them. On a positive note I hear there is a raft of new younger players in. Will be good to get a look at them in McKenna Cup. PeterQ92 (Donegal) - Posts: 173 - 01/12/2025 14:19:01 2646647 Link
It's tough on Paddy, he has been there through thick and thin since 2011. But time waits for no man unfortunately. I'd say he's the type of fella who would find it hard to be a bit part player. I'm not sure what his work situation is, but there comes a time in life when your career can take on more importance. If he is stepping away, then we can only thank him for his outstanding service to Donegal GAA. The McKenna Cup and League will be very interesting. Hopefully we'll have one or two who can stake a claim like Finbarr did so impressively in 2025. Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 10150 - 01/12/2025 14:51:28 2646653 Link
Replying To dgcrusader: "And on a completely separate note, the new jersey was supposed to be out on the 27th November and still no sign of it yet." Pushed back until this Thursday 4th. Being launched in Michael Murphys shop at 1pm. peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1390 - 01/12/2025 14:56:26 2646654 Link
Replying To peiledoir20: "Pushed back until this Thursday 4th. Being launched in Michael Murphys shop at 1pm." Good man thanks for that! dgcrusader (Donegal) - Posts: 155 - 01/12/2025 15:51:08 2646660 Link
Replying To Lockjaw: "It's tough on Paddy, he has been there through thick and thin since 2011. But time waits for no man unfortunately. I'd say he's the type of fella who would find it hard to be a bit part player. I'm not sure what his work situation is, but there comes a time in life when your career can take on more importance. If he is stepping away, then we can only thank him for his outstanding service to Donegal GAA. The McKenna Cup and League will be very interesting. Hopefully we'll have one or two who can stake a claim like Finbarr did so impressively in 2025." He definitely was preferred as an impact sub this year. Like you say, perhaps he wanted a bigger role. I note that Kilcar are hosting the All Ireland Gaeltacht, maybe he thinks he can have a bigger influence on that than the county side. He owes us nothing, he's had some career to be fair. I'll always commend him for sticking it out in the bad days of 2023 when a few others took the easy way out. peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1390 - 01/12/2025 19:41:40 2646699 Link
Replying To Commodore: "Definitely will be a big loss if that is true, as the inside forward line is where we seem to be a bit light and he has shown real leadership in recent years when Michael stepped away. Heard back in September that Niall O'Donnell won't be part of the panel in 2026, and possibly another couple of players, but Paddy wasn't in that group." Won't be that big of a loss with regards to Paddy. A great servant but his best days are well in the past. eddieSize5Balls (Donegal) - Posts: 254 - 01/12/2025 19:57:34 2646700 Link
Replying To Commodore: "Weather permitting, it should be ready for late Spring. I would have thought Celtic Park in Derry would have been more suitable alternative if needed, considering it technically lays within old Tir Conaill anyway." I wouldn't be in a rush to force a game in mccumhaill park. With Donegal getting to the all Ireland they started the process later than was ideal. And the odonnell park is a perfectly adequate alternative for one match. And you mention the weather and the way it's going at the minute omagh might never be playable again!!! Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 956 - 01/12/2025 22:29:01 2646716 Link
Replying To The keeper: "Congratulations to four masters in winning the U21A title, I must say they have some excellent footballers in that team, they are strong in every position. It will not be long before there players will be seeing senior success. Whenever the make the breakthrough at senior level, I think they could dominate senior football for a long time, provided they all stay around. Hopefully some of them will add to the Donegal squad this year and bring a freshness to the team the same as roarty did last season. Hard luck to the naomh conail team, no complaints beat by the better team. Although it's been a good year, senior champions, reserve champions and in the 21 final. Now hopefully a great year ahead for Donegal, I'd be happy to stay up and then concentrate on the championship" I was thinking that bar a few players this is the pretty much the four masters senior team. I realistically couldn't understand why some tipped nc. And that's no disrespect to NC as it's a credit to them how they continually of compete and win at the highest level. There is a lot to be learned from nc. And I think you are right, once FM break through they could dominate and they should have goals beyond Donegal. Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 956 - 01/12/2025 22:36:58 2646718 Link
Replying To eddieSize5Balls: "Won't be that big of a loss with regards to Paddy. A great servant but his best days are well in the past." Would rather him than some of the other forward options we've had off the bench over the last couple of years dgcrusader (Donegal) - Posts: 155 - 02/12/2025 10:54:58 2646748 Link
I am working in Donegal this week and word on the street is high profile outside manager could be coming in at Eunans. TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 8648 - 02/12/2025 11:58:06 2646759 Link
Replying To dgcrusader: "Would rather him than some of the other forward options we've had off the bench over the last couple of years" Bit harsh on McBrearty Eddie.He is a good bit younger than Murphy and it would be sad if he is going because he thinks he is not going to get game time. Wasn't he instrumental in getting McGuinness back even though he wasn't a starter as far back as the 2014 All Ireland run. gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1209 - 02/12/2025 13:57:04 2646775 Link
South of gap farneygael3 (Monaghan) - Posts: 462 - 02/12/2025 16:03:54 2646797 Link