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Replying To Commodore: "I agree that Ryan has put in solid league performances, but I think the key problem for him is when we are up against a top 2 or 3 team in Championship, like a Kerry or Galway. We need a starting 15 that can each individually take on and beat their man over and over during the match, and I don't think Ryan has the gears to do that anymore.
He is a quality player, safe hands, I think he is the type of presence we need to bring in the last 10-15 minutes of the match when teams are tired. But If you pick any player in the Kerry starting lineup, who could he take on and beat repeatedly? I can't see many.
Murphy is similar, if he is regularly starting, opposition teams can usually prep a man marker for him. But if you spring him off the bench in the last 15 - 20 minutes, the opposition will usually have to readjust in order to tackle him, as he is a very different type of threat than Oisin Gallen, Jamie Brennan or Conor O'Donnell. The might anticipate him being a sub, but it still requires a shake up and that can work for us." Who do you start instead of Ryan?
Not sure why you mention Jamie Brennan, solid squad player but never gonna be a starter in championship anymore. I agree on Murphy though but I'm just not sure again who would be better starting instead of him. I wouldn't be starting any of the new forwards yet in a big championship game.
eddieSize5Balls (Donegal) - Posts: 309 - 03/03/2026 23:48:52
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Replying To eddieSize5Balls: "Who do you start instead of Ryan?
Not sure why you mention Jamie Brennan, solid squad player but never gonna be a starter in championship anymore. I agree on Murphy though but I'm just not sure again who would be better starting instead of him. I wouldn't be starting any of the new forwards yet in a big championship game." I think we have an ambundance of players that can play in that wing back position that Ryan kinda hovers around.
Like if looking at the back six, Brendan Mc Cole, Mark Curran, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Ciaran Moore, Peadar Mogan, Caolan McGonigle, we still have Caolan McColgan, Finbar Roarty and a few others who can drop in there.
My reference to Jamie Brennan was merely around the size difference, like if a team is marking a smaller forward like Brennan etc for 50 mins, and we throw on Michael Murphy to replace him, then there is a strong possibility that the opposition will need a different type of defender to deal with Murphy's attributes.
So they either have to rejig their defense or they have to bring someone on, either way, they have to change their formation to react to us, which will likely disrupt the flow if they were doing well.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1646 - 04/03/2026 09:50:48
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Replying To Commodore: "I agree that Ryan has put in solid league performances, but I think the key problem for him is when we are up against a top 2 or 3 team in Championship, like a Kerry or Galway. We need a starting 15 that can each individually take on and beat their man over and over during the match, and I don't think Ryan has the gears to do that anymore.
He is a quality player, safe hands, I think he is the type of presence we need to bring in the last 10-15 minutes of the match when teams are tired. But If you pick any player in the Kerry starting lineup, who could he take on and beat repeatedly? I can't see many.
Murphy is similar, if he is regularly starting, opposition teams can usually prep a man marker for him. But if you spring him off the bench in the last 15 - 20 minutes, the opposition will usually have to readjust in order to tackle him, as he is a very different type of threat than Oisin Gallen, Jamie Brennan or Conor O'Donnell. The might anticipate him being a sub, but it still requires a shake up and that can work for us." I seem to remember you talking about Ryan not being good enough to start for us a few years ago either because he wasn't physical enough for the half back line? or at least you were banging the drum that we were too small and the first person you were talking about putting on the bench was Ryan?
I think you're underestimating him and his role in the team regardless. He is a leader in the squad and when he is in form (which he seems to be this year), he's one of our most important players in my opinion. and he still has the wheels, even if he's not as quick as he was when he broke on the scene. I don't really understand why you're mentioning Murphy and the other attackers either. Ryan has been in the half back line for probably a decade at this point. Why are you grouping him in as a threat like our out-and-out attackers, or someone we want to take on and beat players? Who would you start instead of him?
You should be talking about him in the context of the middle third and getting on the ball and developing our patterns of play - when we are attacking he's always out around the 45 getting on a pile of ball and helping to engineer the space. He has been willing to take on shots more this year than I have seen him in the past which is good, but his main role is like Shane O'Donnells. And when we're defending he is coordinating and communicating an awful lot back there. Who is always one of the last men back, getting the ball under pressure under a high press, comfortable to receive it and get us out of a hole? Ryan and Peadar Mogan are absolutely key for us back there in those situations.
I still think he should have tagged Paudie Clifford in the final. He did it to Grugan in the Ulster final and did a brilliant job of it. People are talking about Finbarr this year being given a man-marking role in those potential big games but I still think Ryan has the intelligence and ability to do it, and the discipline and willingness to do it. Finbarr looks a generational player but he is still young and inexperienced, I would be worried that a clever player like Paudie could pull him about and dictate the game to him - plus I think Finbarr provides more driving runs and gets on the scoreboard more than Ryan does.
I'm probably rambling but I really don't think you can reduce Ryan's role to something like what we expect of Murphy now. He is one of the smartest players we have and physically he is absolutely still up for it, you don't put that on the bench.
CCFabu (Donegal) - Posts: 307 - 04/03/2026 10:24:56
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Replying To CCFabu: "I seem to remember you talking about Ryan not being good enough to start for us a few years ago either because he wasn't physical enough for the half back line? or at least you were banging the drum that we were too small and the first person you were talking about putting on the bench was Ryan?
I think you're underestimating him and his role in the team regardless. He is a leader in the squad and when he is in form (which he seems to be this year), he's one of our most important players in my opinion. and he still has the wheels, even if he's not as quick as he was when he broke on the scene. I don't really understand why you're mentioning Murphy and the other attackers either. Ryan has been in the half back line for probably a decade at this point. Why are you grouping him in as a threat like our out-and-out attackers, or someone we want to take on and beat players? Who would you start instead of him?
You should be talking about him in the context of the middle third and getting on the ball and developing our patterns of play - when we are attacking he's always out around the 45 getting on a pile of ball and helping to engineer the space. He has been willing to take on shots more this year than I have seen him in the past which is good, but his main role is like Shane O'Donnells. And when we're defending he is coordinating and communicating an awful lot back there. Who is always one of the last men back, getting the ball under pressure under a high press, comfortable to receive it and get us out of a hole? Ryan and Peadar Mogan are absolutely key for us back there in those situations.
I still think he should have tagged Paudie Clifford in the final. He did it to Grugan in the Ulster final and did a brilliant job of it. People are talking about Finbarr this year being given a man-marking role in those potential big games but I still think Ryan has the intelligence and ability to do it, and the discipline and willingness to do it. Finbarr looks a generational player but he is still young and inexperienced, I would be worried that a clever player like Paudie could pull him about and dictate the game to him - plus I think Finbarr provides more driving runs and gets on the scoreboard more than Ryan does.
I'm probably rambling but I really don't think you can reduce Ryan's role to something like what we expect of Murphy now. He is one of the smartest players we have and physically he is absolutely still up for it, you don't put that on the bench." I agree that he is one of our most intelligent players and still has something to offer, but the colds facts are that Ryan McHugh hasn't been beating his opposite number anytime we play a Kerry, Galway, Dublin or Mayo in the last 10 years, those team usually have enough quality all over to properly tag him and negate his influence, as he lacks pace to burn such players.
Ryan looks great against lesser teams, especially if they give him space, because he is so intelligent and can make things happen. However against the very top sides he can be taken out of it when he starts the match, like he isn't making big impacts on All Ireland finals against Kerry or Semi finals against Galway. Bringing him off the bench is a different story, but he hasn't been winning those 1:1 battles, not for a really long time.
And yes, about 5 or 6 years ago where I started to notice this, probably earlier after the 2019 Super 8 games, particularly in Castlebar after losing to Mayo where Diarmuid O'Connor negated him. I attributed it to maybe him being too light, getting out-muscled too much, like 2021 Derry game in Ballybofey, Gareth McKinless left him for dead, left him on his ass several times too, He should be used in less predictable ways, where he can still produce the goods.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1646 - 04/03/2026 13:06:38
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Replying To Commodore: "I agree that he is one of our most intelligent players and still has something to offer, but the colds facts are that Ryan McHugh hasn't been beating his opposite number anytime we play a Kerry, Galway, Dublin or Mayo in the last 10 years, those team usually have enough quality all over to properly tag him and negate his influence, as he lacks pace to burn such players.
Ryan looks great against lesser teams, especially if they give him space, because he is so intelligent and can make things happen. However against the very top sides he can be taken out of it when he starts the match, like he isn't making big impacts on All Ireland finals against Kerry or Semi finals against Galway. Bringing him off the bench is a different story, but he hasn't been winning those 1:1 battles, not for a really long time.
And yes, about 5 or 6 years ago where I started to notice this, probably earlier after the 2019 Super 8 games, particularly in Castlebar after losing to Mayo where Diarmuid O'Connor negated him. I attributed it to maybe him being too light, getting out-muscled too much, like 2021 Derry game in Ballybofey, Gareth McKinless left him for dead, left him on his ass several times too, He should be used in less predictable ways, where he can still produce the goods." An utterly bizarre take. CCF has made a number of valid points which you have chosen to ignore. The next time you see Donegal play take ten minutes to focus solely on the play of Ryan McHugh. He is part of the glue that holds this Donegal team together. He is a key element to the defensive formation, plugging gaps and covering across the line. In attack he an essential link in our transition play and is capable of carving defences open with one pass. His work rate is off the charts and he is a clear leader on the field.
As for your direct opponent argument, it appears to have escaped your notice that this is not how we set up under Jim. There are normally two direct man markers with everyone else slotting into the defensive system, although this year there are times when we are going with a clear high press. Ryan is one of the players, mainly alongside Hughie, who makes these on field calls.
themaddog (Wicklow) - Posts: 180 - 04/03/2026 13:52:31
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Replying To themaddog: "An utterly bizarre take. CCF has made a number of valid points which you have chosen to ignore. The next time you see Donegal play take ten minutes to focus solely on the play of Ryan McHugh. He is part of the glue that holds this Donegal team together. He is a key element to the defensive formation, plugging gaps and covering across the line. In attack he an essential link in our transition play and is capable of carving defences open with one pass. His work rate is off the charts and he is a clear leader on the field.
As for your direct opponent argument, it appears to have escaped your notice that this is not how we set up under Jim. There are normally two direct man markers with everyone else slotting into the defensive system, although this year there are times when we are going with a clear high press. Ryan is one of the players, mainly alongside Hughie, who makes these on field calls." Too light in 2019,Too slow now and only performs against lesser teams.Was he to blame for our defeat in Castlebar.Strange opinions which would make you wonder.Talking of size and strength,after we equalised on Sunday we had possession in their half and a chance to win the game but Michael Langan was dispossessed ,the ball went to ground and he was outmuscled for the ball on the ground by a smaller man and Galway ended up with a chance to win it.What was that down to.
gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1234 - 04/03/2026 15:34:09
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Replying To themaddog: "An utterly bizarre take. CCF has made a number of valid points which you have chosen to ignore. The next time you see Donegal play take ten minutes to focus solely on the play of Ryan McHugh. He is part of the glue that holds this Donegal team together. He is a key element to the defensive formation, plugging gaps and covering across the line. In attack he an essential link in our transition play and is capable of carving defences open with one pass. His work rate is off the charts and he is a clear leader on the field.
As for your direct opponent argument, it appears to have escaped your notice that this is not how we set up under Jim. There are normally two direct man markers with everyone else slotting into the defensive system, although this year there are times when we are going with a clear high press. Ryan is one of the players, mainly alongside Hughie, who makes these on field calls." The recent bias obsession with Hugh is hilarious. People act as if he's Neil Gallagher or if he's a young pup. Been around for 10 years. Plays well in this system. That's it.
eddieSize5Balls (Donegal) - Posts: 309 - 04/03/2026 15:59:42
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Replying To eddieSize5Balls: "The recent bias obsession with Hugh is hilarious. People act as if he's Neil Gallagher or if he's a young pup. Been around for 10 years. Plays well in this system. That's it." They're on about Ryan McHugh lad, not Hugh McFadden.
Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 10257 - 04/03/2026 16:24:05
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Replying To themaddog: "An utterly bizarre take. CCF has made a number of valid points which you have chosen to ignore. The next time you see Donegal play take ten minutes to focus solely on the play of Ryan McHugh. He is part of the glue that holds this Donegal team together. He is a key element to the defensive formation, plugging gaps and covering across the line. In attack he an essential link in our transition play and is capable of carving defences open with one pass. His work rate is off the charts and he is a clear leader on the field.
As for your direct opponent argument, it appears to have escaped your notice that this is not how we set up under Jim. There are normally two direct man markers with everyone else slotting into the defensive system, although this year there are times when we are going with a clear high press. Ryan is one of the players, mainly alongside Hughie, who makes these on field calls." "We" - Are you a Donegal person posting using a Wicklow profile? Are you based in Wicklow or why the Wicklow profile?
I would say those points are invalid, as is your reference to how we setup.
Look up big games that I referenced over the last 7-8 years against the top teams of those years and look at his performance in those games, my direct opponent argument can be verified. Start with Mayo v Donegal in Castlebar in 2019, watch the whole match. I'm not talking about games against weaker sides, the big sides, the teams we need to beat if we are to win an All Ireland.
In those big games against teams who have quality all over the pitch and press up, lwe are seeing much more of now this year, at different times the game becomes 1:1 battles all over the place. Everyone is under pressure, this is where our leaders need to be winning those 1:1 battle and gaining meters. We can't be sentimental and predictable if we are to win an All Ireland.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1646 - 04/03/2026 16:27:07
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Replying To gunman: "Too light in 2019,Too slow now and only performs against lesser teams.Was he to blame for our defeat in Castlebar.Strange opinions which would make you wonder.Talking of size and strength,after we equalised on Sunday we had possession in their half and a chance to win the game but Michael Langan was dispossessed ,the ball went to ground and he was outmuscled for the ball on the ground by a smaller man and Galway ended up with a chance to win it.What was that down to." I didn't blame him for the loss in Castlebar in 2019, there were many factors that dirty evening, but I did highlight that he made little or no impact that night. He was considered as one of our leaders at that time, and we as a team got out-muscled by Mayo that night.
Big difference between a player like Michael Langan who was earlier black carded, getting stripped of possession once late in game, while still putting in a big performance compared to a player who gets basically taken out of full games by Diarmuid O'Connor or Paul Murphy.
I would expect to see the odd performance where he takes a game by the scruff of the neck against those sides, but can't think of many, whereas Murphy or McBrearty over the years have.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1646 - 04/03/2026 16:35:28
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Replying To Lockjaw: "They're on about Ryan McHugh lad, not Hugh McFadden." Just a note, Ryan McHugh or any player that makes the sacrifice to play county for years in the Donegal jersey, I have huge respect for those players, the long hours they put in and social sacrifice they make for years.
A lot of people get very sensitive about any form of criticism towards players, particularly if those players are from their club or area. However this is simply a fan suggesting a change in approach based on performances (Not personal), in order for Donegal to go one step further.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1646 - 04/03/2026 17:01:07
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You're just looking at a completely different game if you think he can't take the ball under pressure. Every time a team is pushing up on us he is one of the last men around our 21 metre line demanding the ball and trying to find our way out.
I don't think you can reduce things to just strength and running past your opponent either. Ryan creates space with his movement and sees passes. I'll be repeating myself here but he is just smarter than most others on the team for me. He communicates non-stop with everyone. He's not perfect and he's not the greatest player we've ever had or anything like that, but there are very few players on the panel that are at his level in terms of leadership and intelligence on the pitch.
Another post you say about the back 6 and barely name 8 players other than Ryan for back there, the only players that you named that are in the same mould as Ryan are Peadar Mogan and Eoghan Bán, and then you named Moore who will be in the half forward line when fit. Even if we have literally everyone fully fit and Moore dropped in to half back, are you picking Eoghan Bán ahead of Ryan?
It was Durcan who tagged him in 2019 and he did it to Walsh and McCaffrey that year as well. McHugh had an unbelievable game two weeks earlier against Kerry or do the All-Ireland finalists that year not count as a big team? Do you not agree he had a big influence on Grugan in last years Ulster final or does that not count as a big game either? I can name quite a few of our leaders who were quiet in last years final (a game Ryan went off injured in the 40th minute) - should we name them all here and say that something needs to change?
This isn't me being precious or sentimental about him, but I think Ryan is clearly still one of our best players. You can say we should bench him alright and you have your reasons, but it would involve changing our set up because I don't think we have many who can communicate the game plan and dictate things as well as Ryan McHugh. If you want to change it so that we have more players on there that can beat their man 1-on-1, we'd have to start playing like Mayo have done traditionally.
CCFabu (Donegal) - Posts: 307 - 04/03/2026 18:32:53
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Just saw the minor panel posted online for the weekend.
I'm not sure if there are injuries or a bit of rotation going on but interesting to note the representation of clubs.
No representatives from traditional clubs like Glenties, Ardara, Killybegs, Kilcar etc. and a few 'smaller' clubs like Na Rossa, Urris and Moville contributing 6 players. As I said it may be down to other factors.
Good luck to the for the season ahead all the same.
peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1483 - 05/03/2026 10:42:31
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Replying To peiledoir20: "Just saw the minor panel posted online for the weekend.
I'm not sure if there are injuries or a bit of rotation going on but interesting to note the representation of clubs.
No representatives from traditional clubs like Glenties, Ardara, Killybegs, Kilcar etc. and a few 'smaller' clubs like Na Rossa, Urris and Moville contributing 6 players. As I said it may be down to other factors.
Good luck to the for the season ahead all the same." I don't see the issue. The best players should make the panel regardless of what club they're from.
WeGoAgain (Donegal) - Posts: 154 - 05/03/2026 12:51:10
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Replying To Commodore: "Just a note, Ryan McHugh or any player that makes the sacrifice to play county for years in the Donegal jersey, I have huge respect for those players, the long hours they put in and social sacrifice they make for years.
A lot of people get very sensitive about any form of criticism towards players, particularly if those players are from their club or area. However this is simply a fan suggesting a change in approach based on performances (Not personal), in order for Donegal to go one step further." I've no issue with coming up with ideas or suggestions for how we get over the line, but it's hard not to think you've a particular issue with Ryan when you're picking out games he didn't play well and not acknowledging the things I'm saying in his favour? Derry in 2021, but he was man of the match against Derry in 2024? Do you not rate Armagh the last two years?
I don't think you're giving enough credit to how he links things together for us. like I say I think we'd need to change how we attack if you want more players taking on their man one-on-one. I also think as an opponent I would hate to see someone come off the bench that is full of running and will take me on non-stop, I'd rather deal with them from the start when I'm full of energy.
CCFabu (Donegal) - Posts: 307 - 05/03/2026 13:25:23
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Replying To WeGoAgain: "I don't see the issue. The best players should make the panel regardless of what club they're from." Maybe you misinterpreted my post. I wasn't suggesting that it was an issue. Just merely an observation on my part.
I'm fact, I think it can only be good for club and county having a more diverse range of clubs supplying players to county level.
Take from example my own area Inishowen. How important a player was Ryan Bradley back in 2012 and both Caolans and Conor O'Donnell with the current team. It's refreshing and great to see!
peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 1483 - 05/03/2026 14:24:59
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Replying To peiledoir20: "Maybe you misinterpreted my post. I wasn't suggesting that it was an issue. Just merely an observation on my part.
I'm fact, I think it can only be good for club and county having a more diverse range of clubs supplying players to county level.
Take from example my own area Inishowen. How important a player was Ryan Bradley back in 2012 and both Caolans and Conor O'Donnell with the current team. It's refreshing and great to see!" I did misinterpret your post, fully agree with you that it's great to see a wide selection of clubs. In fact, i think Jim is a huge advocate for looking at every corner of the county to make sure no one is overlooked. Ryan Bradley was the first that sprung to my mind too.
WeGoAgain (Donegal) - Posts: 154 - 05/03/2026 15:15:18
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Ryan isn't the player he was even 3 years ago. He's still a good player though.
eddieSize5Balls (Donegal) - Posts: 309 - 05/03/2026 15:26:05
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I don't think you can reduce things to just strength and running past your opponent either. Ryan creates space with his movement and sees passes. I'll be repeating myself here but he is just smarter than most others on the team for me. He communicates non-stop with everyone. He's not perfect and he's not the greatest player we've ever had or anything like that, but there are very few players on the panel that are at his level in terms of leadership and intelligence on the pitch.
Yes we can reduce certain things to strength and running, its Football, its a team field sport, not darts.
I agree with your take on his intelligence and his ability to drift into space, but the problem is that the likes of Kerry and Galway have that all intelligence over the pitch too, so lack of pace and power is a factor.
Another post you say about the back 6 and barely name 8 players other than Ryan for back there,
True, but most of them are award winning talent who make big impacts in big games.
the only players that you named that are in the same mould as Ryan are Peadar Mogan and Eoghan Bán, and then you named Moore who will be in the half forward line when fit. Even if we have literally everyone fully fit and Moore dropped in to half back, are you picking Eoghan Bán ahead of Ryan?
Moore is usually a wing back, linking our transition from defense to attack at pace. Yes, as Ban Gallagher is finally approaching full fitness, I would pick him ahead of Ryan to start games.
Have you actually been to Donegal games in recent seasons? Recently we seen the likes of Mogan, Roarty, Moore and Ban Gallagher all burning their opposites for pace and deal with physicality well, and all have been singled out for praise by various pundits for their pace and intensity and ability to turn games around.
This isn't me being precious or sentimental about him, but I think Ryan is clearly still one of our best players. You can say we should bench him alright and you have your reasons, but it would involve changing our set up because I don't think we have many who can communicate the game plan and dictate things as well as Ryan McHugh. If you want to change it so that we have more players on there that can beat their man 1-on-1, we'd have to start playing like Mayo have done traditionally.CCFabu (Donegal) - Posts: 304 - 04/03/2026 18:32:53
You sound sentimental about it, and look, I don't mean to be hurtful towards Ryan, I have huge respect for his efforts for Donegal and for all of the other people. My opinion is based on examples.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1646 - 05/03/2026 16:25:45
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Replying To CCFabu: "I've no issue with coming up with ideas or suggestions for how we get over the line, but it's hard not to think you've a particular issue with Ryan when you're picking out games he didn't play well and not acknowledging the things I'm saying in his favour? Derry in 2021, but he was man of the match against Derry in 2024? Do you not rate Armagh the last two years?
I don't think you're giving enough credit to how he links things together for us. like I say I think we'd need to change how we attack if you want more players taking on their man one-on-one. I also think as an opponent I would hate to see someone come off the bench that is full of running and will take me on non-stop, I'd rather deal with them from the start when I'm full of energy." Yes, Man of the match against Derry 2024, a game where the **** fell out of Derry's gameplan when we ruthlessly scored goals for fun and totally destroyed them. They weren't tagging Ryan for most of that game, they were busy trying to limit damage elsewhere and he will run riot if allowed space.
In 2021 when Derry were really putting the squeeze on Donegal, he wasn't stepping up or turning things around. And that is the bit you are failing to get or failing to take on board. You give Ryan McHugh space and freedom, of course he will hurt you, he is a talented player. My point here is that when not giving time and space, he is no longer a game changer or making big contributions.
Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1646 - 05/03/2026 16:35:59
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