|
Replying To Al_Maguire: "Took a quick look at Monghan's scoring stats in the league
They scored 193 points, which is 23 higher than anyone else in division 1 or division 2, and it's around 50 points higher than most teams in division 1, including ourselves (realise we took foot of the pedal)
But they also conceded 161 which is worse than any other team in Divisions 1 and 2 bar Derry, Down and Westmeath who all got relegated. We conceded 139 against tougher opposition.
I think that bodes well for us - but my only worry is that we start as slow as we did against Derry.
If Monaghan can get early scores and a few two-pointers, and we are in 2nd or 3rd gear, we could be in trouble.
I wonder who will track Beggan" Statistics from League matches are a waste of time, cannot compare Division 1 and 2 either. Championship is totally different.
I cannot see Beggan coming up the field as much because some of Donegal attacking backs will be passing him.
Jim will be well aware of the need to be quicker out of the blocks against Managhan. It should be a great match but I'm confident because it looks like we will have a full squad to pick from apart from maybe Owen Ban.
With the new rules a big squad is essential and I don't think we every had as strong a panel of players. We have lots of quality on the bench.
Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 460 - 09/04/2025 13:40:20
2601232
Link
0
|
|
Cavan made a holy show of Beggan in Clones last year. He'll still hit long distance free but I can't see him venturing up in play much. He just doesn't have the legs to get back anymore if the ball is turned over.
peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1181 - 09/04/2025 14:00:59
2601233
Link
0
|
|
Beggan continually going up and joining the attack could spell disaster for Monaghan, we have plenty of lads with buckets of pace who could really punish him and I'm sure Monaghan will be aware of that. I think this game will be a real high-scoring shootout that we should come out of with 4-5 points to spare although they'll really test our defense.
NPadraigAbu (Donegal) - Posts: 103 - 09/04/2025 15:50:43
2601252
Link
0
|
|
Yeah I'd be more concerned with Beggan's free-taking than what he'd have to offer in open play.
If we can avoid conceding unneccessary frees from 50m in, and tighten things up when we're run at, then I'd be confident we'll get the better of Monaghan. They always need to be respected, but I think we're operating on a higher level than them presently.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9728 - 09/04/2025 15:52:57
2601253
Link
0
|
|
Have no idea why but Armagh fans sure hate us.
Even after they won SAM last year they were still having a go at us.
IMO they are the worst fans in the country and any day they lose is a great day for me.
Them and Tyrone are fairly milking this bad tackle from Murphy.
It was a stupid one and could have been costly and I'm sure Jim has told him to cop on.
Maybe I'm biased but I do not consider him a dirty player, even when my club plays him I've never seen him do anything other than an odd shoulder on his marker.
eddieSize5Balls (Donegal) - Posts: 116 - 09/04/2025 17:01:42
2601266
Link
0
|
|
Replying To eddieSize5Balls: "Have no idea why but Armagh fans sure hate us.
Even after they won SAM last year they were still having a go at us.
IMO they are the worst fans in the country and any day they lose is a great day for me.
Them and Tyrone are fairly milking this bad tackle from Murphy.
It was a stupid one and could have been costly and I'm sure Jim has told him to cop on.
Maybe I'm biased but I do not consider him a dirty player, even when my club plays him I've never seen him do anything other than an odd shoulder on his marker." Armagh fans - we played them 4 times last year in all competitions and won 3, drew 1. This year beat them well in the league. They're AI champs but not kings of their own back yard in Ulster and unable to beat us to date so that's most of their issue.
Tyrone, well…
Donegal_abroad (Donegal) - Posts: 1401 - 09/04/2025 22:50:44
2601311
Link
1
|
|
Replying To Al_Maguire: "Took a quick look at Monghan's scoring stats in the league
They scored 193 points, which is 23 higher than anyone else in division 1 or division 2, and it's around 50 points higher than most teams in division 1, including ourselves (realise we took foot of the pedal)
But they also conceded 161 which is worse than any other team in Divisions 1 and 2 bar Derry, Down and Westmeath who all got relegated. We conceded 139 against tougher opposition.
I think that bodes well for us - but my only worry is that we start as slow as we did against Derry.
If Monaghan can get early scores and a few two-pointers, and we are in 2nd or 3rd gear, we could be in trouble.
I wonder who will track Beggan" Hi Al_Maguire: Not comparing like with like.
AudiMan (Donegal) - Posts: 681 - 10/04/2025 09:22:10
2601333
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Donegal_abroad: "Armagh fans - we played them 4 times last year in all competitions and won 3, drew 1. This year beat them well in the league. They're AI champs but not kings of their own back yard in Ulster and unable to beat us to date so that's most of their issue.
Tyrone, well…" Yeah I did notice some online chatter and Armagh ones with their knickers in a twist. Great to see.
While Armagh will still be formidable opponents for anyone they face in 2025, I just have an inkling things aren't all rosey in the garden behind the scenes. There was the team holiday, Rían O'Neill's absence and there seems to be a bit of uncertainty as to who will be playing in goals.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9728 - 10/04/2025 10:11:20
2601340
Link
0
|
|
Replying To eddieSize5Balls: "Have no idea why but Armagh fans sure hate us.
Even after they won SAM last year they were still having a go at us.
IMO they are the worst fans in the country and any day they lose is a great day for me.
Them and Tyrone are fairly milking this bad tackle from Murphy.
It was a stupid one and could have been costly and I'm sure Jim has told him to cop on.
Maybe I'm biased but I do not consider him a dirty player, even when my club plays him I've never seen him do anything other than an odd shoulder on his marker." Think Murphy being such a big man can be clumsy in the tackle. I don't think he is dirty. He is hard as nails but fair. Anyway we may need to get some lads out of retirement to mark him as with lavelle out we are not blessed with old school man markers like we used to have. I'd imagine Ryan wylie will be assigned mcBearaty. This is a v different monaghan side to the ones who used to arm wrestle with donegal back in the day. Think we played 5 championship matches between 13-16 and both teams won 2 drew one with a point separating us across 5 games. I remember reading that at the time. Of course you beat us in 23 with a lot of the same players that will take the field on Sunday week. Talk of bogey sides and hoodoo s is nonsence. Donegal favourites and rightly so but we are at home so can't be totally dismissed either. We were abysmal last year in first round in clones v Cavan am expecting much better than that at least. Beggan won't come out much. Its his ability to convert dead ball from inside your half for two pointer ya gotta worry about.
seanie08 (Monaghan) - Posts: 1880 - 10/04/2025 10:49:33
2601347
Link
1
|
|
Replying To Lockjaw: "Yeah I did notice some online chatter and Armagh ones with their knickers in a twist. Great to see.
While Armagh will still be formidable opponents for anyone they face in 2025, I just have an inkling things aren't all rosey in the garden behind the scenes. There was the team holiday, Rían O'Neill's absence and there seems to be a bit of uncertainty as to who will be playing in goals." It'll be interesting to see if they can take Tyrone in a semi-final first. That might tell us a bit more about where they are at this year. Still feel they're a slick outfit and dramas aside, they might be emboldened by last year's AI win and now very confident in terms of seeing out matches. They'll be interesting this year. But I do feel we might be in their heads to a degree
Donegal_abroad (Donegal) - Posts: 1401 - 10/04/2025 23:06:19
2601458
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Donegal_abroad: "It'll be interesting to see if they can take Tyrone in a semi-final first. That might tell us a bit more about where they are at this year. Still feel they're a slick outfit and dramas aside, they might be emboldened by last year's AI win and now very confident in terms of seeing out matches. They'll be interesting this year. But I do feel we might be in their heads to a degree" Oh yeah they'd still be a hard nut to crack no doubt about it. Back to back All-Irelands are notoriously difficult though. It'll be very interesting to see how they go in the coming weeks.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9728 - 11/04/2025 09:07:08
2601474
Link
0
|
|
Replying To seanie08: "Think Murphy being such a big man can be clumsy in the tackle. I don't think he is dirty. He is hard as nails but fair. Anyway we may need to get some lads out of retirement to mark him as with lavelle out we are not blessed with old school man markers like we used to have. I'd imagine Ryan wylie will be assigned mcBearaty. This is a v different monaghan side to the ones who used to arm wrestle with donegal back in the day. Think we played 5 championship matches between 13-16 and both teams won 2 drew one with a point separating us across 5 games. I remember reading that at the time. Of course you beat us in 23 with a lot of the same players that will take the field on Sunday week. Talk of bogey sides and hoodoo s is nonsence. Donegal favourites and rightly so but we are at home so can't be totally dismissed either. We were abysmal last year in first round in clones v Cavan am expecting much better than that at least. Beggan won't come out much. Its his ability to convert dead ball from inside your half for two pointer ya gotta worry about." On the league final beggan was used only very sparingly up the field. With having to keep 4 back if Monaghan did bring him forward all the time you're basically saying he's better than an outfield players up the field and that's not the case.. Though his free taking from about 55 metres in truly exceptional. He got three in the second half against the rossies. It's so valuable. I hate the two point free as it's too much of a punishment for what could be innocuous enough foul but that's not beggans fault.
Donegal probably won't be tacking too much from nearly the 65 to the arc because you can't concede two points so Donegal will try and stop the outside shooters by pressurising or blocking the kick. Once Monaghan do go inside the arc Donegal will hunt them down hard as it's only half the punishment for a free.
Monaghan seemed to doing kickouts to to contest and I guess working hard to win it clean or hoover up the breaking ball and won plenty possession. They didn't seem to be looking to get kickouts away quick the way Patton was but it should be an option with beggan. Though I wonder can beggan get them away as quite as quickly as Patton can.
Monaghan were overall very comfortable in promotion and beat the Roscommon well in the final. Bannigan, McCarthy, mccarron when he comes on are scoring well and clearly manager is doing a good job. Promoted teams from division 2 have done brilliantly in he last two championships so confidence should be good in monaghan. As you say Donegal are favorites and were good enough against Derry and some very fine moments. But glass wasn't right and back to beggan, he won't be doing what the Derry keeper did. Anyhow looking forward to it.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 798 - 11/04/2025 13:14:38
2601504
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Donegal_abroad: "It'll be interesting to see if they can take Tyrone in a semi-final first. That might tell us a bit more about where they are at this year. Still feel they're a slick outfit and dramas aside, they might be emboldened by last year's AI win and now very confident in terms of seeing out matches. They'll be interesting this year. But I do feel we might be in their heads to a degree" Tyrone are getting significantly better, I expect them to have a big year, might surprise a few people. The young players they are bringing through are quality, but I think they still lack a more physical presence inside, Cathal McShane isn't firing right since that bad injury a few years back.
Armagh won't be far away either, but it will be interesting to see if they have the same depth this year, they have had a lot of injuries recently.
As for Monaghan this Sunday, this will be a real battle in Clones. Monaghan have adapted to the new rules quite well, and can transition exceptionally fast due to kick-passing down the flanks or down the middle, kinda a bit like how Kerry do. Its a different type of challenge for Donegal, and how we cope with it will be a real indicator of where we stand.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1330 - 15/04/2025 09:22:19
2601980
Link
1
|
|
Replying To Commodore: "Tyrone are getting significantly better, I expect them to have a big year, might surprise a few people. The young players they are bringing through are quality, but I think they still lack a more physical presence inside, Cathal McShane isn't firing right since that bad injury a few years back.
Armagh won't be far away either, but it will be interesting to see if they have the same depth this year, they have had a lot of injuries recently.
As for Monaghan this Sunday, this will be a real battle in Clones. Monaghan have adapted to the new rules quite well, and can transition exceptionally fast due to kick-passing down the flanks or down the middle, kinda a bit like how Kerry do. Its a different type of challenge for Donegal, and how we cope with it will be a real indicator of where we stand." Don't know what surprises can come from a team who won Sam and 2 u20 all Ireland in the last 4 years..
totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 1041 - 16/04/2025 22:40:10
2602342
Link
0
|
|
Replying To totalrecall: "Don't know what surprises can come from a team who won Sam and 2 u20 all Ireland in the last 4 years.." I wouldn't be surprised but the bookies have them at 11/1 which is generous given the talent they have and the man patrolling the sideline.
peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1181 - 17/04/2025 10:31:54
2602377
Link
0
|
|
Replying To peiledoir20: "I wouldn't be surprised but the bookies have them at 11/1 which is generous given the talent they have and the man patrolling the sideline." Yep Tyrone will be formidable opponents for any team. They gave us all we wanted in last year's Ulster semi final. Kieran McGeary is back to his best and they have dangerous forwards. Their semi final with Armagh should be a cracker. There's certainly no love lost there and I'd say Tyrone would only just love to take Armagh down a peg or two.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9728 - 17/04/2025 10:58:39
2602383
Link
0
|
|
Looking forward to Sunday, it's a great test for a new Monaghan team and also a chance to see how Donegal are shaping up under for the summer. The majority of core Monaghan supporters are quite realistic about our chances in the fixture, by that I mean hopeful by not expectant.
The reality is that the teams are at different points in their development, bu that's not to say we won't fancy a win if we are still in it at half time! Too much being made by some of 2013-2014-2015 that's a lifetime ago in football terms.
The main reason I think Donegal will have too much for Monaghan comes down to physical power, which combined with quality forwards will mean we run out of options in matchups. Any team with Langan, Murphy, McFadden, McGee, Thompson and McGonagle to call on for central options will be hard matched.
Lavelle's availability is an absolute must for Monaghan and is by no means guaranteed, Even with that, its difficult to make the case for Monaghan's midfield and half forward options being able to match Donegal for primary possession. In the new environment, an edge in this part of the game can lead to blow-out wins because once you are on the wrong side of it, stopping momentum of a dominant team becomes nigh on impossible. Monaghan's narrow route to a win will rely on goals, pace on the break, and some innovation on kick outs. The game is Donegal's to lose.
Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1182 - 17/04/2025 12:12:18
2602402
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Eddie the Exile: "Looking forward to Sunday, it's a great test for a new Monaghan team and also a chance to see how Donegal are shaping up under for the summer. The majority of core Monaghan supporters are quite realistic about our chances in the fixture, by that I mean hopeful by not expectant.
The reality is that the teams are at different points in their development, bu that's not to say we won't fancy a win if we are still in it at half time! Too much being made by some of 2013-2014-2015 that's a lifetime ago in football terms.
The main reason I think Donegal will have too much for Monaghan comes down to physical power, which combined with quality forwards will mean we run out of options in matchups. Any team with Langan, Murphy, McFadden, McGee, Thompson and McGonagle to call on for central options will be hard matched.
Lavelle's availability is an absolute must for Monaghan and is by no means guaranteed, Even with that, its difficult to make the case for Monaghan's midfield and half forward options being able to match Donegal for primary possession. In the new environment, an edge in this part of the game can lead to blow-out wins because once you are on the wrong side of it, stopping momentum of a dominant team becomes nigh on impossible. Monaghan's narrow route to a win will rely on goals, pace on the break, and some innovation on kick outs. The game is Donegal's to lose." Good post. I'd always be very respectful of Monaghan. They're a tough nut when they get their tails up.
Dick Clerkin fairly winds me up though. Anytime I hear him discuss Donegal he says something that grinds my gears!
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9728 - 17/04/2025 16:46:00
2602461
Link
0
|
|
Replying To Eddie the Exile: "Looking forward to Sunday, it's a great test for a new Monaghan team and also a chance to see how Donegal are shaping up under for the summer. The majority of core Monaghan supporters are quite realistic about our chances in the fixture, by that I mean hopeful by not expectant.
The reality is that the teams are at different points in their development, bu that's not to say we won't fancy a win if we are still in it at half time! Too much being made by some of 2013-2014-2015 that's a lifetime ago in football terms.
The main reason I think Donegal will have too much for Monaghan comes down to physical power, which combined with quality forwards will mean we run out of options in matchups. Any team with Langan, Murphy, McFadden, McGee, Thompson and McGonagle to call on for central options will be hard matched.
Lavelle's availability is an absolute must for Monaghan and is by no means guaranteed, Even with that, its difficult to make the case for Monaghan's midfield and half forward options being able to match Donegal for primary possession. In the new environment, an edge in this part of the game can lead to blow-out wins because once you are on the wrong side of it, stopping momentum of a dominant team becomes nigh on impossible. Monaghan's narrow route to a win will rely on goals, pace on the break, and some innovation on kick outs. The game is Donegal's to lose." A fairly accurate assessment of where both teams are at, and where the difference between the teams will emerge on Sunday. But as Jim said a couple of weeks ago, games are decided in moments; an injury, a penalty, a refereeing decision, a black or red card. Although Coldrick is very experienced and shouldn't lash out anything to hasty.
If Langan and McGee play I don't think Monaghan can cope with their size, power, and mobility. Gary Mohan is a good footballer, but not a top class intercounty midfielder. And he has no established help alongside him. Will Killian Lavelle play? If he does, will he play at full back, or push him out to midfield? Wasn't he originally a midfielder before being moved into the full back line?
Will Beggan be sent up the pitch during open play? Not many teams break as fast as we do, so it could be a dangerous move.
Hopefully the weather holds out for Sunday, which hopefully means that you wont have a game of teo halves, decided on two pointers. And I see that they have installed new plastic seats in the Pat McGrane. And the surface should be absolutely top notch as well.
Best of luck Sunday, and let's hope for a good game of ball. Its great to have civilised debate with a sensible Monaghan supporter. We've had FarneyGael3 and VeteranGaa on here in recent times keeping us entertained.
SouthOfTheGap (Donegal) - Posts: 763 - 17/04/2025 17:26:17
2602470
Link
0
|
|
Replying To SouthOfTheGap: "A fairly accurate assessment of where both teams are at, and where the difference between the teams will emerge on Sunday. But as Jim said a couple of weeks ago, games are decided in moments; an injury, a penalty, a refereeing decision, a black or red card. Although Coldrick is very experienced and shouldn't lash out anything to hasty.
If Langan and McGee play I don't think Monaghan can cope with their size, power, and mobility. Gary Mohan is a good footballer, but not a top class intercounty midfielder. And he has no established help alongside him. Will Killian Lavelle play? If he does, will he play at full back, or push him out to midfield? Wasn't he originally a midfielder before being moved into the full back line?
Will Beggan be sent up the pitch during open play? Not many teams break as fast as we do, so it could be a dangerous move.
Hopefully the weather holds out for Sunday, which hopefully means that you wont have a game of teo halves, decided on two pointers. And I see that they have installed new plastic seats in the Pat McGrane. And the surface should be absolutely top notch as well.
Best of luck Sunday, and let's hope for a good game of ball. Its great to have civilised debate with a sensible Monaghan supporter. We've had FarneyGael3 and VeteranGaa on here in recent times keeping us entertained." Will you have the half and half jersey on Sunday?
farneygael3 (Monaghan) - Posts: 188 - 18/04/2025 02:02:05
2602519
Link
0
|