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All the best to Donegal team who get their season started tomorrow evening. Wishing the team every success for the year ahead. Really looking forward to following them and seeing what Jim will bring to the table this time around after his brilliant success the last time around. Good luck to all involved for the year ahead. ryan (Donegal) - Posts: 745 - 02/01/2024 16:24:32 2518078 Link 1 |
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It shows how long you've been away lad. All tickets along time now lad.
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2538 - 02/01/2024 16:47:23 2518080 Link 0 |
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You mustn't been at a match for a long time?
Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 402 - 02/01/2024 18:16:06 2518090 Link 1 |
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Thanks lad for the heads up lad
greatpoint (USA) - Posts: 430 - 02/01/2024 19:22:50 2518098 Link 0 |
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That's not the point I'm making, during covid it was all this craic about not handling cash/contactless being healthier and so on, now they can't use that excuse anymore in fairness, we should protect the use of cash cause when it goes it will be missed. Yes I have an account to buy tickets but I'd prefer to pay cash at the gate as would many other people I'm sure. Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 2947 - 02/01/2024 20:53:05 2518104 Link 4 |
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Young Finbarr Roarty named to start tomorrow, apart from that team selection is mostly as expected although unsure if Paddy will actually start NPadraigAbu (Donegal) - Posts: 78 - 02/01/2024 22:22:55 2518112 Link 0 |
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Why would Paddy not start?
PeterQ92 (Donegal) - Posts: 109 - 03/01/2024 08:11:35 2518124 Link 1 |
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Looking forward to the game tonight. I see that Armagh have named an experimental squad which is to be expected at this time of year I suppose. Good to see the likes of Roarty, Caulfield and Carr getting an opportunity. It might be a bit early for them in terms of them being realistic starters later in the year but a tremendous milestone in their young careers all the same, representing the county at senior level. And who knows - if you're good enough you're old enough in my opinion. The more competition for places the better. If the likes of the above lads can make a serious impression then all the better. Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9455 - 03/01/2024 10:21:18 2518139 Link 1 |
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Looking forward to game tonight. Was hoping Armagh would pick a stronger team to make it a good test. But mc geeney seems to have gone with young lads. Great to see young Seanan carr , finbar roarty, and Oisin Caulfield get a run. Definitely 3 lads for the future maybe this year might be a year too early for them but you never know. rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2538 - 03/01/2024 11:27:01 2518153 Link 0 |
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I've said it before - but logically speaking a good division two is more important and achievable for Donegal than winning Ulster. Whatever anyone's opinions, even Jim's, about provincial championships - they are no longer a major factor to winning an All Ireland, other than giving some teams a second bite/making it slightly easier at a tilt. Allowing provincial finalists a shot at the All-Ireland has also ruined the whole idea of league merit. Yes, it was great for teams like Sligo and Clare to be in with a shot of Sam. But it also allowed Division 2 teams like Meath to play at a level below them - which defeated the purpose of teams at a similar level vying to win the Tailteann Cup. And teams at that level might not need to worry about Tailteann cup if they get a handy run in Connaught/Munster Yet another way the GAA shoots itself in the foot when trying to make their competitions fair. Either change it or don't change it. I think the psychological boost it would give Donegal beating Derry would be great. And I'm sure Jim will want Donegal to win every game. But as said above - the costs of an Ulster Title might be too great if we also want a big tilt at Sam Maybe for year one that's enough for Jim. But I still think he will be eyeing promotion more. Al_Maguire (Donegal) - Posts: 257 - 03/01/2024 12:07:42 2518161 Link 0 |
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Yeah it's a tricky one. Maybe it'll be a case of one thing at a time. I think achieving promotion will be first and foremost in Jim's thoughts and is a realistic and obtainable target. There are some tricky fixtures but I think we're definitely capable of a top two finish. After that, all eyes will be on Derry. I just have a feeling that similar to first time round, Jim will be looking to knock Derry off their perch. (Tyrone of course being the big team a decade ago) Add in the fact that Mickey Harte is the other dugout and I think the lads will not be lacking in any motivation. If they did manage to topple Derry then a tilt at Ulster would surely be a target, even with the difficult nature of the draw. Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9455 - 03/01/2024 12:29:31 2518166 Link 0 |
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100% fully support you here. I've reduced the amount of club games especially I go to because of this out of principle. Once cash is gone it's gone and you'll be completely at the mercy of the banks and our corrupt political classes. At a grass roots level most fund raising involves cash be it selling tickets for draws on the streets or in the local shops and pubs, bucket collections and outside mass. The older generation know nothing else. The banks charge a small fee for each transaction till eventually they get the full initial value but with cash the value does not diminish. On a separate note happy new year to all. What a difference a year makes where we head into it with optimism and excitement. Special mention to our Mayo friend for really keeping us well informed here of what was happening behind the scenes. I'll be out of the country until March time but will be tuning into any games broadcast, with this in mind I'll be looking forward to getting all your insights and opinions. Very interesting to see Finbar Roarty involved tonight. I've seen him play a few times and he really is one you see and go this lad has it. He was phenomenal for the minors. In the game against Cavan he was everywhere between defending and making attacks. Watch out for him as he'll be one we'll be talking about a lot. Best wishes to Jim and the squad. It's great to have him back and cannot wait to see what he does with what he has available. In my opinion this is a stronger pick than the first time around. The big difference is no Murphy but the talent pool is way vaster. Remember the minor squads between 14-16 are at their peak plus the last Ulster U-21 champions along with talented players from the last couple of years at under 20. Getting back to division 1, giving Ulster a rattle and then possibly an AI semi final are realistic aims but I'm sure secretly Jim will be aiming for higher. On a final note big congratulations to Four Masters minor team and management. An incredible achievement to win an Ulster title after going so close the year before. Some very talented young players there and just goes to show what can be achieved when a plan and a vision is put into place. panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2806 - 03/01/2024 12:42:07 2518172 Link 2 |
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Suppose the advantage of winning Ulster is an easier draw (in theory) in the group. Derry went all out last year and it did them well. A few mins away from making an All Ireland final. I think the big one is to top the group and avoid the preliminary all Ireland 1/4 and best chance of that is winning your province. 3 of the teams who won their province topped their group. TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1184 - 03/01/2024 13:00:05 2518181 Link 0 |
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Yeah and you could look at both ways. Going all out to win the province might result in injuries/fatigue and disappointment if it doesn't happen. But on the flip side, you get an easier group draw, you're battle hardened, medal in the pocket and that intangible but vital momentum and confidence. Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9455 - 03/01/2024 13:22:33 2518187 Link 0 |
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Well yes, that is the advantage. But its risk/reward is also a lot higher than getting a good league position. I'd argue that Kerry, Dublin, and Derry were just better than the rest anyway last year. And an easy provincial run can make all the difference. Plus Derry are secure with their Sam place this year. We are not guaranteed unless we do well in the league. It's hard to peak for all competitions and a shot at Ulster is logically the path of most resistance. It's more bonus territory this year really. Al_Maguire (Donegal) - Posts: 257 - 03/01/2024 14:17:47 2518202 Link 0 |
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Yes agree that those three were superior than the rest last year anyway.
TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1184 - 03/01/2024 15:07:59 2518217 Link 0 |
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Just on this, going into 2024 would you think the rankings would be close to the below? 1. Dublin 2. Kerry 3. Derry Then I think there are a clutch of teams of a similar standard who on their day would fancy beating each other, hence the difficulty in ranking one over the other Galway Mayo Tyrone Monaghan Armagh Roscommon Then I think you'd have the likes of ourselves, Cork, Meath, Kildare, possibly Cavan who will be looking to break into the bracket above and will be looking to do so in 2024. I think Galway are the best placed to break into that top tier. If they can get all their key men fit, and keep them fit, they're a formidable outfit and underachieved last year in my opinion. Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9455 - 03/01/2024 16:26:18 2518234 Link 0 |
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Agree with you but we have to keep in mind that was a Rory Gallagher trained Derry team. Derry are unknown this year. Could even go go back. I'd have those three ahead of the two groups you have mentioned but would add us to the second group. Honestly think if we have everyone back and fit for the entire year we are just behind Dublin and Kerry. TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1184 - 03/01/2024 17:17:39 2518240 Link 0 |
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One of the major bookies has Donegal joint 7th favourites with the order as follows Lockjaw: 1. Kerry 2. Dublin 3. Galway 4. Derry 5. Mayo 6. Tyrone 7/8. Armagh & Donegal 9/10/11. Cork/Monaghan/Roscommon 12. Kildare. I would strongly advise people to keep their money in their pockets as the bookies normally make a profit and can also pay for expensive staff overheads, offices, huge advertisements and still give a few bob to the taxman. Above information just for debate. letsgetgoing (Roscommon) - Posts: 612 - 03/01/2024 17:28:32 2518243 Link 1 |
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Head coach for Derry was Ciaran Meenagh who then took on the manager role once Gallagher stepped down. A more experienced Tyrone man in charge now but what shape the Glen players are in after non stop action the last two years will be key. It's 10 years since Donegal won a knock out game in the championship something Jim on his return will be looking to correct and lets be honest it will take a lot of improving to be just behind Dublin and Kerry. Gaa_lover (USA) - Posts: 3458 - 03/01/2024 18:05:24 2518248 Link 0 |