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Donegal V Fermanagh Ulster SFC Final 2018

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Well, may get the debate going sooner rather than later!
These are the sort of games which make a summer and it's even sweeter when we were written off by all, prior to the start of Ulster.
My firm view is that Donegal will get nowhere near their 2-20 averaged score to date in 3 games. I would be happy with 1-12, as long as it's at least one point more than Fermanagh. It would remind me of the 2011 All Ireland Semi Final between Donegal and the Dubs. One team intent on defending a lead, the other just about figuring it out over the 70mins and doing enough to cross the line. I don't think we'll have anywhere near the same dominance in midfield, as Donnelly and Jones are exceptional fielders of the ball and very mobile to boot. Rory has got them all singing off the same hymn sheet and I would think Quigley will be chomping at the bit after being axed v Monaghan, for his little indiscretion;)
The only way I can see Fermanagh beating Donegal is by scoring 1 or 2 goals, which I could not rule out, given how loose we now defend.
If Donegal get a few early scores, we'll see what Fermanagh have got in their locker!!

green and gold (Donegal) - Posts: 105 - 12/06/2018 13:53:17    2110519

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Replying To green and gold:  "Well, may get the debate going sooner rather than later!
These are the sort of games which make a summer and it's even sweeter when we were written off by all, prior to the start of Ulster.
My firm view is that Donegal will get nowhere near their 2-20 averaged score to date in 3 games. I would be happy with 1-12, as long as it's at least one point more than Fermanagh. It would remind me of the 2011 All Ireland Semi Final between Donegal and the Dubs. One team intent on defending a lead, the other just about figuring it out over the 70mins and doing enough to cross the line. I don't think we'll have anywhere near the same dominance in midfield, as Donnelly and Jones are exceptional fielders of the ball and very mobile to boot. Rory has got them all singing off the same hymn sheet and I would think Quigley will be chomping at the bit after being axed v Monaghan, for his little indiscretion;)
The only way I can see Fermanagh beating Donegal is by scoring 1 or 2 goals, which I could not rule out, given how loose we now defend.
If Donegal get a few early scores, we'll see what Fermanagh have got in their locker!!"
Sure wouldn't ye just let us win one?


I can see it being a cagey affair but I can see Donegal getting off to a good start and building a lead of about 4/5 points. Will be interesting to see how Fermanagh deal with that. Hopefully referees haven't been influenced by McConville and McEntee who were accusing cullen of roughing up McMAnus in the semi. If you watch the game again McManus was the first to raise his hands, just happens that wee Che is a bit stronger than him. I imagine he will pick up McBrearty, should be a great battle between the two. Cullen picked up Murphy in Ballyboofay two years ago and had a great game on him even though Donegal won.
I imagine Murphy will play around the 40 in this game.


Anyway I can't wait for the 24th of June. Donegal are favourites with the bookies for good reason and if I was a neutral I would expect them to win. But lets hope Rory gets one over Donegal after last year and Fermanagh take home their maiden Ulster title.

gotmilk (Fermanagh) - Posts: 4971 - 12/06/2018 14:31:05    2110537

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The Ulster SFC final 2018 aka the Rory Bowl. Contested by his own Fermanagh and his adopted county Donegal the team he predicted would struggle would stay in the top 10 teams in the country upon parting. Seen a few of the Fermanagh players in attendance at Clones last Sunday so wonder what they must have been thinking. Looking forward to seeing how Donegal manage the ultra defensive set up they are going to face against Fermanagh. They are not going to have the dominance around the middle they did against Down here. Not only are Fermanagh more than a match in midfield their kickout strategy will be nothing like the brain fart approach of Down. Saying that Donegal have the long shooters to counteract the blanket and if they get ahead early there will be only one winner. I think this will be an intriguing tussle where Donegal will have to be patient. I will be keeping a close eye on Leo McClone whom I am sure will be bang up for this given RG will be in the opposite dugout. Delighted he is back playing with Donegal as we missed his experience and physicality. He has been excellent since coming back.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2782 - 12/06/2018 14:49:47    2110551

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Rory will know Donegal inside out. He will target goals and high ball in. Can he keep our score down? He's a good enough manager to do it, here's hoping not in the final! Some achievement getting Fermanagh to a final where they are just over 2 to 1 to win!! Proved his critics wrong. Hoping for a Donegal win.

TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1142 - 12/06/2018 17:38:52    2110637

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I like Donegal but I would love to see Fermanagh lift the cup. It will be a very tall order for them though. I would imagine they will have to restrict Donegal to 13 points to have any chance. Good luck to our Erne neighbours.

Hardtimes (Cavan) - Posts: 1056 - 12/06/2018 18:19:37    2110664

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Replying To TheRock2121:  "Rory will know Donegal inside out. He will target goals and high ball in. Can he keep our score down? He's a good enough manager to do it, here's hoping not in the final! Some achievement getting Fermanagh to a final where they are just over 2 to 1 to win!! Proved his critics wrong. Hoping for a Donegal win."
Fermanagh will definitely be able to limit our scoring. It will be impossible for us to play the same way we have been so far or put up anything close to the scores we've been putting up. Their set up simply won't allow us to do that.

Fermanagh set up incredibly defensive and are extremely disciplined with their positioning and tackling in defence. They've only conceded something like 8 points from play. Incredible statistic. I think Donegal will do well to score over 13 or 14 points against this type of set up.

Long range points wiil be crucial and we have plenty of those type of players that can execute that. Think we have enough experience and big game players to win this one by 4 or 5 points.

HandballRef (Donegal) - Posts: 520 - 12/06/2018 18:27:27    2110669

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Replying To TheRock2121:  "Rory will know Donegal inside out. He will target goals and high ball in. Can he keep our score down? He's a good enough manager to do it, here's hoping not in the final! Some achievement getting Fermanagh to a final where they are just over 2 to 1 to win!! Proved his critics wrong. Hoping for a Donegal win."
In what way has he proved his critics wrong? All he has done is replicate his defensive tactics with a different player pool. The only difference is that it suits Fermanagh in where they are at and with the players they have. In fact what has been proved wrong is his assertion that Donegal would struggle to stay in the top 10 sides in the country. An assertion that might have come to fruition if he was still in charge. I was delighted when he stepped down as manager of Donegal. Despite a bright start they are years wasted as far as I am concerned. I would always wish him well in whatever he does in the future given the time he gave to Donegal football especially in 2012 but still don't see how he has proved people wrong. Tactically he is still the same and I doubt when it really comes down to it there will be much of a plan B or C if needed like it was when he was with Donegal.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2782 - 12/06/2018 18:29:01    2110670

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I sense Rory divides opinion in Donegal. He's been a revelation for us so far and hopefully he is able to bring a game plan to combat this fantastic Donegal team.

Bonner seems an interesting character and he seems to have Donegal flying or was it that Down were terrible? I'd suggest the latter.

Can't help but agree with earlier post that the start of the game is crucial. If Donegal get 4/5 points up on us it's hard to see a route back for Fermanagh.

ErneExile (Fermanagh) - Posts: 9 - 12/06/2018 19:28:35    2110694

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Replying To gotmilk:  "Sure wouldn't ye just let us win one?


I can see it being a cagey affair but I can see Donegal getting off to a good start and building a lead of about 4/5 points. Will be interesting to see how Fermanagh deal with that. Hopefully referees haven't been influenced by McConville and McEntee who were accusing cullen of roughing up McMAnus in the semi. If you watch the game again McManus was the first to raise his hands, just happens that wee Che is a bit stronger than him. I imagine he will pick up McBrearty, should be a great battle between the two. Cullen picked up Murphy in Ballyboofay two years ago and had a great game on him even though Donegal won.
I imagine Murphy will play around the 40 in this game.


Anyway I can't wait for the 24th of June. Donegal are favourites with the bookies for good reason and if I was a neutral I would expect them to win. But lets hope Rory gets one over Donegal after last year and Fermanagh take home their maiden Ulster title."
McEntee's analysis of the incident where both McManus and Cullen got booked was disgraceful. The Fermanagh defeat obviously cut very deep. Good luck to Fermanagh on Sunday but Donegal have to be clear favourites. I hope there are no red cards as, more often than not, a sending off destroys the game.

neverright (Roscommon) - Posts: 1648 - 12/06/2018 19:58:49    2110710

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Replying To ErneExile:  "I sense Rory divides opinion in Donegal. He's been a revelation for us so far and hopefully he is able to bring a game plan to combat this fantastic Donegal team.

Bonner seems an interesting character and he seems to have Donegal flying or was it that Down were terrible? I'd suggest the latter.

Can't help but agree with earlier post that the start of the game is crucial. If Donegal get 4/5 points up on us it's hard to see a route back for Fermanagh."
The weekend was definitely a step up as in the 2 previous games Donegal played in 2nd gear but stepped up a gear anytime it was needed. I guess after the shock of the previous weekend that any hint of complacency was drilled out of the players. But you are right to suggest the latter and it all evolved around the Down kickouts and complete lack of strategy. In fact to suggest there was a strategy is being very kind. Now maybe the way Donegal set up against the Down kickouts might have had something to do with it but still cannot totally explain how bad it was. Most of the Donegal scores came directly from poor kickouts. It was the worst I have seen since Donegal had a very talented minor team in 2015 who virtually handed the game on a plate to Derry that day from their kickouts. There is no way Fermanagh will be so naive but I think ur game plan will revolve around getting a lead and frustrating Donegal. Donegal have started their last 2 games very well so something will have to budge. As for Rory he is a good fit for Fermanagh but definitely was not for Donegal. It was never going to be easy following Jim but supporters soon grew tired of his one dimensional play to not lose tactics especially with the calibre of player he had. The line given was too many miles in the legs etc but look at Frank McGlynn this year does he look like a player with too many miles in the legs?

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2782 - 12/06/2018 20:06:20    2110715

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The two semis were very strange games. We looked brilliant at times but to be honest Down were the worst Down team I've ever seen.

Fermanagh were excellent in implementing their game plan but equally Monaghan were awful on the day. A sign of them not being mentally right was obvious groom early on when they were making mistakes under no pressure. Even with that, they should have won.

Donegal might not be as good as we seen last week and Fermanagh aren't ad defensively sound ad they are made out to be.

We are starting games well and if we continue that in the Ulster Final I feel we'll win. The experience of an Ulster Final day will also play it's part and Donegal have experienced that on many occasions in the last few years.

Tir Conaill Abu (Donegal) - Posts: 1671 - 12/06/2018 20:12:42    2110720

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Replying To ErneExile:  "I sense Rory divides opinion in Donegal. He's been a revelation for us so far and hopefully he is able to bring a game plan to combat this fantastic Donegal team.

Bonner seems an interesting character and he seems to have Donegal flying or was it that Down were terrible? I'd suggest the latter.

Can't help but agree with earlier post that the start of the game is crucial. If Donegal get 4/5 points up on us it's hard to see a route back for Fermanagh."
I seem to be one of the few posters in donegal that really liked Rory. I have a lot of good gaa mates who have no time for him after his treatment of Leo Mc elonne and to compound matters by saying that donegal would not be a top ten team this year. Maybe he's right but it'll be used as a big incentive I would say by the donegal team this year. Roll on Sunday week.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2404 - 12/06/2018 20:14:41    2110722

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Replying To panamasam:  "The weekend was definitely a step up as in the 2 previous games Donegal played in 2nd gear but stepped up a gear anytime it was needed. I guess after the shock of the previous weekend that any hint of complacency was drilled out of the players. But you are right to suggest the latter and it all evolved around the Down kickouts and complete lack of strategy. In fact to suggest there was a strategy is being very kind. Now maybe the way Donegal set up against the Down kickouts might have had something to do with it but still cannot totally explain how bad it was. Most of the Donegal scores came directly from poor kickouts. It was the worst I have seen since Donegal had a very talented minor team in 2015 who virtually handed the game on a plate to Derry that day from their kickouts. There is no way Fermanagh will be so naive but I think ur game plan will revolve around getting a lead and frustrating Donegal. Donegal have started their last 2 games very well so something will have to budge. As for Rory he is a good fit for Fermanagh but definitely was not for Donegal. It was never going to be easy following Jim but supporters soon grew tired of his one dimensional play to not lose tactics especially with the calibre of player he had. The line given was too many miles in the legs etc but look at Frank McGlynn this year does he look like a player with too many miles in the legs?"
It will be fascinating to see how Fermanagh setup on Donegal kickouts. Against Monaghan we conceded the kickouts to ensure we had correct shape. It's a bold move.

I'd expect MacNallais to start in the final as his aerial ability will surely help Donegal in the middle sector. It seems strange to us that he isn't starting, probably one of the best footballers in Ireland 2 years ago.

Will Ward move to full back or have you a few in reserve?

ErneExile (Fermanagh) - Posts: 9 - 12/06/2018 20:24:54    2110727

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Replying To rorysboys:  "I seem to be one of the few posters in donegal that really liked Rory. I have a lot of good gaa mates who have no time for him after his treatment of Leo Mc elonne and to compound matters by saying that donegal would not be a top ten team this year. Maybe he's right but it'll be used as a big incentive I would say by the donegal team this year. Roll on Sunday week."
Did he refuse to play McLoone? I know he left the squad but wasn't sure of the details.

Paul Brennan has been some find for you this year.

ErneExile (Fermanagh) - Posts: 9 - 12/06/2018 20:28:47    2110731

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It's a novel pairing and great for Fermanagh to be in the final.It would be some day for them if they could pull it off.
I think Donegal though by 3-4 points.

Dubh_linn (Dublin) - Posts: 2312 - 12/06/2018 20:34:13    2110735

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Replying To ErneExile:  "Did he refuse to play McLoone? I know he left the squad but wasn't sure of the details.

Paul Brennan has been some find for you this year."
Leo has played in two all Ireland finals and is highly rated and popular in donegal but Rory didn't seem to rate him. What blotted Rory's copybook was the 2016 final v tyrone when with the sides level entering injury time he put Anthony Thompson back on after substituting him earlier on. That game was crying out for Leo. In fairness to Leo he never once mentioned the reason he left the squad last year. I've no doubt in his own humble way that he would love to prove a point Sunday week.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2404 - 12/06/2018 20:54:09    2110751

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Replying To ErneExile:  "It will be fascinating to see how Fermanagh setup on Donegal kickouts. Against Monaghan we conceded the kickouts to ensure we had correct shape. It's a bold move.

I'd expect MacNallais to start in the final as his aerial ability will surely help Donegal in the middle sector. It seems strange to us that he isn't starting, probably one of the best footballers in Ireland 2 years ago.

Will Ward move to full back or have you a few in reserve?"
I would say the players getting picked ahead of him namely Langan and Thompson are really doing it in training to warrant a place ahead of Odhran. I think these 2 will start again in the final. I thought Thompson was very good at the weekend after having a mixed afternoon against Derry. Also apart from a couple of wayward shots at goal Michael Langan put in a very decent shift too at the weekend. The midfield pairing of McClone and McFadden put in big shifts defensively something that does not suit Odhran. Plus they are physical lads which was something we really missed last year. You need to have a strong bench and Odhran is some player to be able to bring on. Plus with more weary legs in the opposition he is not required to track back as much which really does not suit his game. As for the full back position I would say Stephen McMenamin will come in. Young player still under 21who is very raw but will be some player in a couple of years time when he has more experience in his locker. Unless Rory pulls a rabbit out of the hat I don't see Fermanagh changing much up front having just the one main outlet up front so don't think missing Neil will be a big thing myself. Yes Ward can do a job there but he has been really good in the half back line since switched there for the championship. Along with Jamie Brennan probably our most improved player from last year. He has all the attributes you want in a half back especially pace. But he is a far more confident player this year in what he does avoiding needless turnovers and now not afraid to kick a score. His point at the weekend was sublime the end of build up play that was from the very top drawer. Plus playing predominantly out of position at full back in the league has improved him as a defender.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2782 - 12/06/2018 23:58:37    2110830

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Leo has played in two all Ireland finals and is highly rated and popular in donegal but Rory didn't seem to rate him. What blotted Rory's copybook was the 2016 final v tyrone when with the sides level entering injury time he put Anthony Thompson back on after substituting him earlier on. That game was crying out for Leo. In fairness to Leo he never once mentioned the reason he left the squad last year. I've no doubt in his own humble way that he would love to prove a point Sunday week."
Exactly right, Leo not appearing that Ulster Final was a total disgrace. But nothing was ever uttered publicly which is testament to both parties in many respects.

Rory definitely split opinion in Donegal. Personally I was happy when he got the job and felt he was doing well initially, but he very clearly didn't learn from his mistakes on the line in previous years and last year it imploded terribly. There's no doubt his treatment of McGlynn too really left a bad taste unfortunately. But there's no doubting he has great ability and a good mind, he'll definitely have a plan for us and will know our boys inside out as well.

Delighted to be back in an Ulster final now, will be very interesting to see how Declan sets us up against the blanket.

JoeSoap (Donegal) - Posts: 1432 - 13/06/2018 09:25:46    2110881

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I would love to see Fermanagh win their first Ulster title on Sunday week. They were last in a final 10 years ago, losing to Armagh. However I think Donegal will win, by 3-4 points, they have been putting up decent scores in their 3 matches, and will have a bit more than Fermanagh.
Still, best of luck to Fermanagh.

thelongridge (Offaly) - Posts: 1741 - 13/06/2018 10:28:14    2110901

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Replying To panamasam:  "I would say the players getting picked ahead of him namely Langan and Thompson are really doing it in training to warrant a place ahead of Odhran. I think these 2 will start again in the final. I thought Thompson was very good at the weekend after having a mixed afternoon against Derry. Also apart from a couple of wayward shots at goal Michael Langan put in a very decent shift too at the weekend. The midfield pairing of McClone and McFadden put in big shifts defensively something that does not suit Odhran. Plus they are physical lads which was something we really missed last year. You need to have a strong bench and Odhran is some player to be able to bring on. Plus with more weary legs in the opposition he is not required to track back as much which really does not suit his game. As for the full back position I would say Stephen McMenamin will come in. Young player still under 21who is very raw but will be some player in a couple of years time when he has more experience in his locker. Unless Rory pulls a rabbit out of the hat I don't see Fermanagh changing much up front having just the one main outlet up front so don't think missing Neil will be a big thing myself. Yes Ward can do a job there but he has been really good in the half back line since switched there for the championship. Along with Jamie Brennan probably our most improved player from last year. He has all the attributes you want in a half back especially pace. But he is a far more confident player this year in what he does avoiding needless turnovers and now not afraid to kick a score. His point at the weekend was sublime the end of build up play that was from the very top drawer. Plus playing predominantly out of position at full back in the league has improved him as a defender."
Odhran was actually due to start in the semi but the County Board submitted an earlier team sheet that didn't have him on it and were told that if they wanted him to start it would count as a sub hence him down on the programme as starting but not actually playing from the start.

JimmyCarr (Donegal) - Posts: 27 - 13/06/2018 11:37:41    2110938

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