TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 8067 - 03/01/2024 18:41:26    2518253

Alright folks...anybody at the game tonight..who stood out..I know it was the Armagh u20s team but I see Michael langan scored 1-4, great to see him back after his hamstring injury last year. I always thought of him as a serious talented player. Donegal do have serious talented score takers in the team and we just need to tighten up at the back wee bit and jimmy will be winning big matches again hopefully.

RoryGall35 (Donegal) - Posts: 184 - 03/01/2024 22:06:42    2518272

Encouraging run-out, even despite a young Armagh opposition. One of my gripes of the post McGuinness management teams is a gradual rescinding of players playing to their strengths. It was obvious that the likes of Niall O Donnell, Langan etc were discouraged from hitting long range points in case they missed. We eventually wouldn't attempt a score unless it was in the hands of 3 or 4 specific shooters, and the opposition could clearly see this, and mark those lads out of the game and win. We need every man to be able and given license to take on a shot, so as not to make it easy for our opponents, and I could see this positive shift today, in addition to long range efforts. Ryan McHugh looks like he's back playing in a setup that isn't frustrating him, and suits his strengths. I'm still convinced that Paddy Mac is no longer at the level required, and I hope some match sharpness combined with Jim's magic that he sprinkled over Colm McFadden might prove me wrong, but I feel the time is right to seek urgent replacements for him, Hughie and J Brennan. One of my frustrations with intercounty football is Donegal seem to throw the towel in mentally when facing a backdoor run, compared to Micky Harte's ability to get teams to gain momentum on the same route. There's one thing for sure. Jim will have the bodies and the heads in peak condition. I got Donegal to win Sam next summer at 44-1 on the day his appointment was announced. You never know...

StockholmGael (Donegal) - Posts: 132 - 03/01/2024 23:18:33    2518276

TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1184 - 03/01/2024 23:49:39    2518278

Great to get the win last night to start the year off. On a side note, does anyone know who Jim has chosen for this extended backroom team - physio, medical, strength and conditioning? is there a nutritionist? and the likes.

GAAmanDNG (Donegal) - Posts: 19 - 04/01/2024 09:17:26    2518285

A decent run-out last night but we can't read too much into it given the youthful opposition. Just some things I would have noted from the game

- The players looked fit, sharp and hungry for work. It was a heavy pitch but it was clear that every player was putting in a good shift.
- In general we played a running game as expected. The ball was moved quickly through the hands in attacking areas. We over-egged things on a few occasions but when it all clicked, it worked very well. Langan's opening goal in particular was a cracker. Kevin McGettigan also finished his goal very well after a sustained period of patient possession.
- Defensively the shape looked good. You could hear Jim and the players barking orders when out of possession. Maybe a slight concern still about high dropping balls into the square. Armagh's goal was a bit fortunate, there was an attempt at a shot which dropped short. But definitely an area to be tidied up on.
- Nothing new here but Oisín Gallen is vital. He gives such a focal point to the attack. A goal with his first touch but he brings others into the game so well with his quick hands and decision-making.
- Shane O'Donnell is a very clever player. He picks up great positions and what I really liked about his cameo last night was his ability to break defensive lines with really incisive, quick hand passes. On a couple of occasions he split the Armagh defensive shield completely. He was badly missed last year and I think he'll be a vital cog in 2024.
- Michael Langan looks fit and very sharp. Another big player who we missed badly last year. He combined well in midfield with McGee. It was interesting to see him drift inside at one stage. McGee found him with a lovely flighted ball and he fired over a nice point.
- The young lads all did ok without anyone in particular standing out over the other. Special mention on young Roarty who has the distinction of having made his senior county debut before his club senior debut. I wouldn't have thought too many have done that before.

All in all, the big thing for me is that Jim has brought back a buzz and sense of optimism. We're not here demanding Ulsters and All-Irelands. Just a Donegal team that has our best players involved and that are giving it their all.
Last year, we were missing at least a third of what I would regard as near certain starters for one reason or another. (Ryan McHugh, Langan, Mogan, Shane & Niall O'Donnell). If we can keep everyone fit and build some momentum then I think we can definitely be in that mix of teams below the likes of Dublin and Kerry.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9455 - 04/01/2024 09:51:45    2518289

That game last night was a waste of time, playing an under 20 team at home , enough said, an A V B game would have been far better as all players would be playing for their places on team and squad.

jacktheboy (Donegal) - Posts: 437 - 04/01/2024 10:12:00    2518292

Wudnt read anything into last night was hoping for a good competitive game but word about last night was that Armagh played Dublin on Tuesday night so he used the u20s. The highlight s for me was seeing langan getting through the game he is a hugely important player plus if we keep him and mc gee fit I doubt if there's any better midfield partnership in the country. Really impressed with ciaran Moore a very athletic player with huge potential. Great to see Shane o Donnell back too , Jim is going to have soome headaches when he sits down to pick a team which I'm sure he's delighted about. The big game is cork in a few weeks, should be a huge crowd at it, win this one and hopefully the momentum will build from there. What's people's opinion of the set up of the opposing teams kick outs with Patton positioned just behind the half way line and everybody in the opposing half . Interesting tactic but opposing keepers will have nightmares trying too get kickouts away. I can't forget to mention Young finbar roarty who looks the real deal.. great to be back

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2538 - 04/01/2024 11:01:47    2518309

RHF (Cavan) - Posts: 873 - 04/01/2024 13:21:20    2518329

RHF (Cavan) - Posts: 873 - 04/01/2024 13:26:30    2518332

Why did Armagh choose to clash their challenge with Dublin with that McKenna cup game last night? Armagh not wanting to give anything away before they meet in the NFL?

Gaa_lover (USA) - Posts: 3458 - 04/01/2024 14:27:31    2518345

McGuinness isn't long back and he's already pulling rabbits out of the hat! Roarty must have been an unbelievable minor to even be in training with the Senior panel. Is he a serious option for the league?

Kerry15 (Kerry) - Posts: 969 - 04/01/2024 15:10:58    2518350

just heard from a friend in dublin that armagh sent the u20s as the seniors were playing the dubs (b team most likely) in a challenge game

Whestofthewest (Clare) - Posts: 177 - 04/01/2024 15:12:41    2518351

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9455 - 04/01/2024 15:13:29    2518352

donegaldouble (Donegal) - Posts: 313 - 04/01/2024 15:15:58    2518353

I thought what Armagh did last night showed terrible disrespect to the competition and to Donegal.

Is Niall O'Donnell part of the panel?

SignTheContract (Donegal) - Posts: 197 - 04/01/2024 15:30:20    2518356

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9455 - 04/01/2024 16:05:57    2518360

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9455 - 04/01/2024 16:09:22    2518361

donegaldouble (Donegal) - Posts: 313 - 04/01/2024 17:31:24    2518371

HandballRef (Donegal) - Posts: 521 - 04/01/2024 17:34:42    2518374