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Replying To Lockjaw: "Been away for a few days and had some time to digest.
I think if I'm honest, in my heart of hearts, I thought we looked a beaten docket after watching the Cork game.
Our usual slick running game wasn't there, and we made more sloppy mistakes in that one game than we probably had all year up to then. It all looked to me like a team suffering from mental and physical fatigue.
It was a similar story last Sunday. I would still give the lads huge credit though, for the way they stubbornly refused to accept defeat and forced ET. It was a tall order from there however, especially compounded by the fact that we lost McGee and Murphy for the first period of ET.
No doubt that a serious review of the year as a whole is needed. The League win is not to be sniffed at, but truth be told, we all know that not many people recall who wins the league as time moves on. It's all about the Championship, and it was ever thus.
Off the top of my head, these are things I'd like to see in 2027....
1. Less emphasis on established players playing in the League. We need to give young players their chance. If that means an inconsistent league campaign (even to the point that we're releaged) so be it.
2. Squad players should play league games for their clubs
3. Alternative tactical approach where early, direct kick-passed balls into our forwards is emphasised. I know we're a traditional hand-passing team. But I simply do not accept that we don't have the footballers who are incapable of kickpassing a ball 40 or 50 yards into space for a forward to run on to. I can recall one brilliant move in the Down game where a peach of a long diagonal ball was played into Murphy (by Mogan i think). He laid it off to an onrushing Gallen whose goal bound effort was unfortunately saved." Would your alternative tactically approach involve a change of either manager/coach/selectors or all of the above? Just curious if you think Jim's time is up? I've heard a few disenting voices since the weekend which is the first time I've heard him questioned so would be curious to know if you'd give him another year or not.
TrueBlue35 (Dublin) - Posts: 355 - 25/06/2026 12:15:06
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Replying To shaggykev: "I agree with James Horan. Mental fatigue. Three years at high intensity and there's no doubt Jim has made mistakes.
Pundits and fans tend to twist every word out of his mouth and turn it into a story. When you actually listen to most press conferences in full, he always is complementary of opposition, gives his assessment and then a line is taken out proportion.
Now I would concede his point about scheduling makes no sense. Donegal had a brilliant opportunity this season compared to our 11 championship games last season.
We blew it by getting caught by Cork when we were cruising until 45 minute mark and suddenly found ourselves in a game and gone.
Dubs feasted on a carcass on Sunday. Like I said, without our half backs blitzing with pace, Donegal become a very ordinary side.
This one is going to hurt. Jim has a lot to learn for next season if he goes again. Maybe he can convince MM to be a super sub, maybe he can give some of the lads burnt out a good 8-9 months to come back near end of the league. Maybe he can find the raw ingredients in some overlooked places like getting Malone this season. Or maybe hes ran out of road and he's merely paused our drop back into the pack which is now going to come like it was coming in 2023 before he saved us." What about discipline ,on the pitch?
Murphy equalizer to force extra time should have seen him turn and fist pump the Donegal support who would give the team a standing ovation and head for the dressing room leaving a deflated Dublin. Instead he got involved in stupid handbag stuff with Kilkenny who would not be regarded as a protagonist , riled up the Dubs and spent 10 minutes in the bin
eoinog (Sligo) - Posts: 2491 - 25/06/2026 12:34:27
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Replying To sligo joe: "Donegal were playing a Dublin team that are completely in transition, basically a development project under a new manager. A new manager that has been sidelined for 12 weeks up to just 8 days b4 this game. A rebuilding Dublin team with key players like Con, Basquel, Gannon, Murchan, O'Cofaigh Byrne, Costello, Bugler all under the shadow of injury, a fine performance by a Dublin team that had many more reasons to under perform than Donegal had. But "hey" Donegal were tired!" You really are suiting yourself with this post.
I'll give you another angle. That Dublin team had 10 starters who won an All-Ireland U21 title. Given Dublin haven't won at U20/U21 level since 2017, those players are now at least 29 or 30, with the likes of Kilkenny and Scully a bit older again. Sunday's team was built around huge experience and, more importantly, winning experience. With 10 starters carrying that age profile and pedigree, it's simply not accurate to describe Dublin as a team that is "completely in transition".
It's probably more accurate to say it's a team that has finally got its best players on the field together at the same time. In fact, it's arguably closer to a last hurrah than a transition team. Let's see where the transition talk is when those 10 players eventually hang up their boots.
As for the management side, Dessie Farrell, Brian Dooher and Fergal Logan, Jim Gavin, Jack O'Connor (three times), Mickey Harte and Joe Kernan all won All-Irelands in their first year in charge. That's another reason why the transition narrative can be overstated, particularly when it comes to a county like Dublin.
Dublin for Sam is what you should be thinking.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 1028 - 25/06/2026 12:39:33
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Replying To TrueBlue35: "Would your alternative tactically approach involve a change of either manager/coach/selectors or all of the above? Just curious if you think Jim's time is up? I've heard a few disenting voices since the weekend which is the first time I've heard him questioned so would be curious to know if you'd give him another year or not." No I'd actually like to think that Jim can evolve. Maybe he does need an alternative voice on the sideline beside him though, maybe even from outside the county. Jim splits opinion, but one thing he can do better than anyone is command a dressing room.
With the new rules, I think it has become almost non-negotiable that early kicked ball be used as an attacking option on occasion. We rarely, if ever choose to use it though.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 10394 - 25/06/2026 12:55:18
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Replying To TrueBlue35: "Would your alternative tactically approach involve a change of either manager/coach/selectors or all of the above? Just curious if you think Jim's time is up? I've heard a few disenting voices since the weekend which is the first time I've heard him questioned so would be curious to know if you'd give him another year or not." County board should be talking to the senior players to ensure they are happy to continue under Jim. If there are dissenting voices that would be a serious concern.
However overall it's Jim's show and he should decide first and foremost whether he wants to continue. Our board are useless in general.
Jim does need help. He needs to get a world class s&c expert that can help the guys not just get fit, but can massively reduce hamstring injuries and still maintain explosive speed. Maybe someone from the athletics world.
I'd also love to see him get help on in game management and tactical adjustments. Jim is one of the only coaches that's not micced up either as he does not trust his lieutenants or doesn't have the support of men who can give him that nugget from the stands. Hard to see full game on sideline.
shaggykev (Donegal) - Posts: 500 - 25/06/2026 13:26:09
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Replying To TrueBlue35: "Would your alternative tactically approach involve a change of either manager/coach/selectors or all of the above? Just curious if you think Jim's time is up? I've heard a few disenting voices since the weekend which is the first time I've heard him questioned so would be curious to know if you'd give him another year or not." Most of his recommendations apply to every county. The problem Donegal have is a kick passing game is not part of the football culture - Donegal clubs love a good defensive hand passing game - It will take more than JimMcG to change an entire football culture.
No difference to Mayo - where the solo run is king - asking players to change the habit of a life time isn't easy.
tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 1931 - 25/06/2026 14:00:34
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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32: "You really are suiting yourself with this post.
I'll give you another angle. That Dublin team had 10 starters who won an All-Ireland U21 title. Given Dublin haven't won at U20/U21 level since 2017, those players are now at least 29 or 30, with the likes of Kilkenny and Scully a bit older again. Sunday's team was built around huge experience and, more importantly, winning experience. With 10 starters carrying that age profile and pedigree, it's simply not accurate to describe Dublin as a team that is "completely in transition".
It's probably more accurate to say it's a team that has finally got its best players on the field together at the same time. In fact, it's arguably closer to a last hurrah than a transition team. Let's see where the transition talk is when those 10 players eventually hang up their boots.
As for the management side, Dessie Farrell, Brian Dooher and Fergal Logan, Jim Gavin, Jack O'Connor (three times), Mickey Harte and Joe Kernan all won All-Irelands in their first year in charge. That's another reason why the transition narrative can be overstated, particularly when it comes to a county like Dublin.
Dublin for Sam is what you should be thinking." Well if you look at the post I replied to and other posts that keep going on about a tired Donegal not being themselves, then yes I am of course selecting points that show Dublin also had problems to surmount on Sunday, there is a dominant line in many posts here suggesting that if Donegal wasn't tired they would have won, smacks a little bit of arrogance and is tiresome.
I am just pointing out that all teams have issues to address as the season goes on, sometimes a team can be unlucky on the day but that was not the case on Sunday.
sligo joe (Dublin) - Posts: 1148 - 25/06/2026 15:02:25
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Replying To eoinog: "Why were Donegal tired ?" Going 100% in the league instead of taking it handy. Putting all the emphasis into beating Kerry in what was always a meaningless championship game. We didn't lose to Cork or Dublin because at each teams best we were not good enough. We definitely have a lot more to show. The Donegal of 2024 or 2025 would have beaten the dubs in a loser goes home game.
eddieSize5Balls (Donegal) - Posts: 435 - 25/06/2026 15:03:21
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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32: "You really are suiting yourself with this post.
I'll give you another angle. That Dublin team had 10 starters who won an All-Ireland U21 title. Given Dublin haven't won at U20/U21 level since 2017, those players are now at least 29 or 30, with the likes of Kilkenny and Scully a bit older again. Sunday's team was built around huge experience and, more importantly, winning experience. With 10 starters carrying that age profile and pedigree, it's simply not accurate to describe Dublin as a team that is "completely in transition".
It's probably more accurate to say it's a team that has finally got its best players on the field together at the same time. In fact, it's arguably closer to a last hurrah than a transition team. Let's see where the transition talk is when those 10 players eventually hang up their boots.
As for the management side, Dessie Farrell, Brian Dooher and Fergal Logan, Jim Gavin, Jack O'Connor (three times), Mickey Harte and Joe Kernan all won All-Irelands in their first year in charge. That's another reason why the transition narrative can be overstated, particularly when it comes to a county like Dublin.
Dublin for Sam is what you should be thinking." Well if you look at the post I replied to and other posts that keep going on about a tired Donegal not being themselves, then yes I am of course selecting points that show Dublin also had problems to surmount on Sunday, there is a dominant line in many posts here suggesting that if Donegal wasn't tired they would have won, smacks a little bit of arrogance and is tiresome.
I am just pointing out that all teams have issues to address as the season goes on, sometimes a team can be unlucky on the day but that was not the case on Sunday.
sligo joe (Dublin) - Posts: 1148 - 25/06/2026 15:21:32
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Replying To tirawleybaron: "Most of his recommendations apply to every county. The problem Donegal have is a kick passing game is not part of the football culture - Donegal clubs love a good defensive hand passing game - It will take more than JimMcG to change an entire football culture.
No difference to Mayo - where the solo run is king - asking players to change the habit of a life time isn't easy." Good point.
A more fundamental issue is how football is coached at a young age.
In my opinion, with the new rules, the mantra should be "head-up and kick pass if it's on"
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 10394 - 25/06/2026 15:25:01
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Replying To eddieSize5Balls: "Going 100% in the league instead of taking it handy. Putting all the emphasis into beating Kerry in what was always a meaningless championship game. We didn't lose to Cork or Dublin because at each teams best we were not good enough. We definitely have a lot more to show. The Donegal of 2024 or 2025 would have beaten the dubs in a loser goes home game." Absolutely at each team's best on Sunday Donegal were beaten because Donegal's best was second best on the day, that is a big part of how a team's best is judged, how they perform on the big knock out stage.
Hypothetical results that a Donegal team of 24 or 25 might or might not have achieved, like Miley in Glenroe would say "Oh holy God".
I hope those fantasy football results are a comfort to you lol.
sligo joe (Dublin) - Posts: 1148 - 25/06/2026 15:48:10
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Jim has had questions before, he has done unbelievable work for Donegal football but doesn't mean he can't be questioned. I think he has made mistakes in both team selection and subs in 2014 and last years final, and this year it's obvious the squad was not managed well. People within the county know of talent not being utilised, or the feeling of being treated unfairly which has been said by one or two already. Whether that is true unfair treatment or not is a bit beside the point - the feeling is there
I am wary of the talk of some outside the county voices. We're quick to forget Declan Bonner and Rochford. Would like to see fresh voices but it has to be Jim's call and buy-in from the coach in terms of overall philosophy.
I'm not doom and gloom about our prospects next year but certainly the main starters need managed better and other players need a lot of opportunities to grow in to the county jersey. Malone for example should start every league match next year, fitness allowing. He has a great nose for goal but how will he learn to add more consistent scoring if he's subbed off or only given 20 minutes here and there. Some players need played in to form. Similar story for a lot of the younger players.
I would hope to see an improvement from us around breaking ball as well. We really struggled with contested ball all year.
Overall disappointing championship but these lads have given Donegal a huge amount over the years, before Jim as well let's not forget, and I am always grateful and appreciative of the time they put in and the time they give young supporters as well.
CCFabu (Donegal) - Posts: 351 - 25/06/2026 16:01:51
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Replying To sligo joe: "Well if you look at the post I replied to and other posts that keep going on about a tired Donegal not being themselves, then yes I am of course selecting points that show Dublin also had problems to surmount on Sunday, there is a dominant line in many posts here suggesting that if Donegal wasn't tired they would have won, smacks a little bit of arrogance and is tiresome.
I am just pointing out that all teams have issues to address as the season goes on, sometimes a team can be unlucky on the day but that was not the case on Sunday." It's not arrogance to think we can play better than the last two weeks. We're Donegal supporters so obviously we're going to look at our lads and think about how they're doing
Dublin had a great plan for us and frankly made us look predictable. Even with that we pushed all the way although Dublin had their own problems. If the shooting boots were on yous would have won very handily I think.
Anyway I don't know why you're going looking for Donegal opinions to be annoyed at. Like you say everyone in person congratulated you and well done the Dubs. Are we supposed to just continue posting that or can we not think about what went wrong for us this year? Saying the squad looked off it or tired or something wasn't right, all that is Donegal people only talking about Donegal, not a comment on the Dubs.
CCFabu (Donegal) - Posts: 351 - 25/06/2026 16:26:41
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Replying To sligo joe: "Absolutely at each team's best on Sunday Donegal were beaten because Donegal's best was second best on the day, that is a big part of how a team's best is judged, how they perform on the big knock out stage.
Hypothetical results that a Donegal team of 24 or 25 might or might not have achieved, like Miley in Glenroe would say "Oh holy God".
I hope those fantasy football results are a comfort to you lol." Dublin won because they played very well and because Donegal were extremely poor.
We didn't play well.
You did.
That's the point we're making. Something wrong with the team this year. We failed to get up for 3 championship games we would be winning 9/10 times.
eddieSize5Balls (Donegal) - Posts: 435 - 25/06/2026 16:34:57
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Replying To CCFabu: "Jim has had questions before, he has done unbelievable work for Donegal football but doesn't mean he can't be questioned. I think he has made mistakes in both team selection and subs in 2014 and last years final, and this year it's obvious the squad was not managed well. People within the county know of talent not being utilised, or the feeling of being treated unfairly which has been said by one or two already. Whether that is true unfair treatment or not is a bit beside the point - the feeling is there
I am wary of the talk of some outside the county voices. We're quick to forget Declan Bonner and Rochford. Would like to see fresh voices but it has to be Jim's call and buy-in from the coach in terms of overall philosophy.
I'm not doom and gloom about our prospects next year but certainly the main starters need managed better and other players need a lot of opportunities to grow in to the county jersey. Malone for example should start every league match next year, fitness allowing. He has a great nose for goal but how will he learn to add more consistent scoring if he's subbed off or only given 20 minutes here and there. Some players need played in to form. Similar story for a lot of the younger players.
I would hope to see an improvement from us around breaking ball as well. We really struggled with contested ball all year.
Overall disappointing championship but these lads have given Donegal a huge amount over the years, before Jim as well let's not forget, and I am always grateful and appreciative of the time they put in and the time they give young supporters as well." Being serious here, and this goes for everyone else who sees this comment. Can you name the players around the county that should be in the panel and who can help in big games?
I can only think of Niall O'Donnell.
I'm sure there's more but would like to know.
eddieSize5Balls (Donegal) - Posts: 435 - 25/06/2026 16:37:02
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Replying To CCFabu: "Jim has had questions before, he has done unbelievable work for Donegal football but doesn't mean he can't be questioned. I think he has made mistakes in both team selection and subs in 2014 and last years final, and this year it's obvious the squad was not managed well. People within the county know of talent not being utilised, or the feeling of being treated unfairly which has been said by one or two already. Whether that is true unfair treatment or not is a bit beside the point - the feeling is there
I am wary of the talk of some outside the county voices. We're quick to forget Declan Bonner and Rochford. Would like to see fresh voices but it has to be Jim's call and buy-in from the coach in terms of overall philosophy.
I'm not doom and gloom about our prospects next year but certainly the main starters need managed better and other players need a lot of opportunities to grow in to the county jersey. Malone for example should start every league match next year, fitness allowing. He has a great nose for goal but how will he learn to add more consistent scoring if he's subbed off or only given 20 minutes here and there. Some players need played in to form. Similar story for a lot of the younger players.
I would hope to see an improvement from us around breaking ball as well. We really struggled with contested ball all year.
Overall disappointing championship but these lads have given Donegal a huge amount over the years, before Jim as well let's not forget, and I am always grateful and appreciative of the time they put in and the time they give young supporters as well." Yeah after a sore Championship exit there is often a tendency for knee-jerk reactions.
There is a long time for reflection now. You'd hope we can learn lessons from this year and improve accordingly in 2027.
Hopefully the upcoming club Championship will provide an opportunity for some young new players to put their hands up.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 10394 - 25/06/2026 16:39:32
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