I echo what the other Donegal posters have said here already. Out of all the retirements Neil will be the biggest loss because he would still have been one of our most important players had he been fit to play. Lads have already pointed out his best moments v Cork in 2012 and Dublin in 2014 when he showcased his aerial and kick passing ability. Another game that stands out for me is the Ulster final v Monaghan in 2014 when he showed another important part of his game that we will badly miss and that is his ability to turnover the ball. He must of intercepted about 10 balls that day in the centre half back position and started counter attacks straight away.

I also agree with The Right Stuff, we are no longer contenders for the AI. We probably have the youngest panel in the country this year and it will take a couple of years for them to develop. I'm still looking forward to the rest of the season but Neil retiring is a huge blow to Donegal supporters as I'm sure it is to Rory Gallagher and the lads. There's probably no one more gutted than Neil himself but at least he has some great days to look back on as do we, thanks from the memories Neil!

Mobot (Donegal) - Posts: 459 - 21/02/2017 10:47:40    1959054

Best of luck to Neil I will always remember his performance against us in 2014 moving between midfield and full forward he did more than most along with Toye and Mac Nialis to drag Donegal back into that game.

jacktheDub (Dublin) - Posts: 944 - 21/02/2017 14:04:03    1959155

No not strong contenders but are still capable of going close to winning Ulster

I think 1/4 final stage is as far as they'll go in 2017

jimbodub (Dublin) - Posts: 20600 - 21/02/2017 16:46:24    1959250

I agree with absolutely everything, we are not going to challenge this year. I hope Neil Gallagher enjoys his well earned retirement. He was a great servant, like Toye, who played his best football at the end of his career. We will miss him in a serious way in the middle. We got an absolute tanking in the middle against Kerry without a fielder.

Despite his retirement, and 8 other first team lads out this year, I feel positive that we can build successfully. The young guns showed guts last week against ross to snatch the win in the end. We have got to rebuild, without transition. I feel that the word transition is always a bit of a cop out, I rather think that in at the deep end is much better despite the hole that our old guard have left behind. There is nothing worse than watching older players trying to relive more successful times only to be disappointed. We will remember the lads with fondness now, without feeling like they should have retired when they already have done it. It also frees up a lot of young talent to step up and grab the opportunity to play inter county. I look forward to many days out this year watching the great teams and hopefully we can rise to the occasion. Good luck to all in the donegal camp. We wont be beaten easily.

Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3830 - 21/02/2017 17:11:35    1959262