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NFL Division 2

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Replying To KeshGFC:  "Any more excuses to throw in ? Anything but the excuse that we played well and were tactically superior .. please note also that was not near the same team as last year as we've had losses through injuries and retirement leading to 5 or 6 changes for us and for a wee county like us that's huge .. so in case you forgot to say it ... bloody well done us to right the poor wrongs of the end of last seson that were Donegal and Kildare matches .. if Donegal look for excuses rather than accepting than the reality then we will see them in div 2 next year"
Excuses ....or simply stating some key facts after a few Donegal posters are losing the plot after a 2nd defeat in a row?

It's the National League in February for goodness sake,
- We went down to 14 men in first half, and were down to 13 men for 10 minutes of 2nd half.
- We were playing a Rory Gallagher managed team, who knowing Rory like we do, are probably at a more advanced fitness state for this early stage of the season (See Kilcar or Donegal 2015 -2017)
- We were missing a host of key players who are mostly expected back for Championship.

I'm not saying Fermanagh didn't deserve to win, but put it in context.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1115 - 25/02/2019 08:47:57    2167830

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We seem to be lacking goal scoring ability. Bar the meath game when we were gifted a goal by their keeper we are not threatening.

Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3830 - 25/02/2019 08:50:47    2167832

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Wondering if Declan Bonner has continued to write his weekly column in the local paper since being appointed manager of the Donegal football team. If so does he comment as a fan, a distant pundit or maybe giving little insides from within the camp. Does being embedded with the local media absolve him from any critical analysis ?

Curlew66 (Roscommon) - Posts: 506 - 25/02/2019 10:05:00    2167864

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Replying To katser:  "Division 2 is so competitive and even it's nearly impossible to predict the games! Of the 12 games played in Division 1, I have predicted 10/12 wins with 1 draw and 1 loss letting me down! So I'll go with..... Donegal, Armagh, Kildare and Meath all to win!"
3/4 correct this weekend, Congratulations Fermanagh...I didn't see that result coming, keep up the good work!!

katser (Galway) - Posts: 2198 - 25/02/2019 10:59:13    2167898

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Replying To Commodore:  "From Yesterday, Yes i can

1. Michael Murphy
2. Patrick McBrearty
3. Odhran MacNiallais
4. Darrach O'Connor
5. Cian Mulligan
6. Micheal Carroll
7. Martin McElhinney
8. Daire O'Baoill
9. Frank McGlynn
10. Anthony Thompson
11. Paddy McGrath
12. Neil McGee
13. Kieran Gillespie
14. Mark McHugh
15. Paul 'Papa' Durkin

The above are all players involved in the Donegal Senior panel in the last 12 months, and most of whom are expected to be featuring come Championship as either starters or subs."
Seriously Commodore you're embarrassing yourself with that post and your knowledge of Donegal GAA is a bit suspect after that:

Paul Durcan only rejoined the panel last week and hasn't featured in years for Donegal.
Mark Mc Hugh and Anthony Thompson have taken themselves off the panel
Kieran Gillespie tore his cruciate and isn't expected back until 2020
As far as I know Darrach O' Connor has been dropped from the squad.

We need to forget this "we're missing players" crap and move on with the opportunities that it's giving younger lads like Gallen, O' Donnell, etc. Kerry are in Division 1 with a group of young lads and are yet to welcome back a host of experienced players, I know they are winning but if they weren't there would be no "we're missing players" crap.

The most disappointing aspect of the defeats was that we were in control of both games and didn't see them out. That could be put down to lack of leaders on the pitch and experience may turn some of these players into leaders. Murphy ain't gonna be around forever lads.

Tir Conaill Abu (Donegal) - Posts: 1671 - 25/02/2019 21:41:17    2168184

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Replying To Tir Conaill Abu:  "
Replying To Commodore:  "From Yesterday, Yes i can

1. Michael Murphy
2. Patrick McBrearty
3. Odhran MacNiallais
4. Darrach O'Connor
5. Cian Mulligan
6. Micheal Carroll
7. Martin McElhinney
8. Daire O'Baoill
9. Frank McGlynn
10. Anthony Thompson
11. Paddy McGrath
12. Neil McGee
13. Kieran Gillespie
14. Mark McHugh
15. Paul 'Papa' Durkin

The above are all players involved in the Donegal Senior panel in the last 12 months, and most of whom are expected to be featuring come Championship as either starters or subs."
Seriously Commodore you're embarrassing yourself with that post and your knowledge of Donegal GAA is a bit suspect after that:

Paul Durcan only rejoined the panel last week and hasn't featured in years for Donegal.
Mark Mc Hugh and Anthony Thompson have taken themselves off the panel
Kieran Gillespie tore his cruciate and isn't expected back until 2020
As far as I know Darrach O' Connor has been dropped from the squad.

We need to forget this "we're missing players" crap and move on with the opportunities that it's giving younger lads like Gallen, O' Donnell, etc. Kerry are in Division 1 with a group of young lads and are yet to welcome back a host of experienced players, I know they are winning but if they weren't there would be no "we're missing players" crap.

The most disappointing aspect of the defeats was that we were in control of both games and didn't see them out. That could be put down to lack of leaders on the pitch and experience may turn some of these players into leaders. Murphy ain't gonna be around forever lads."
Well said. Every county is missing players. But it's who is playing that counts not who is not. Our lads that came in have done ok so far. Nothing has been achieved yet. Still all to play for , for every county.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 25/02/2019 22:21:28    2168196

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Replying To Commodore:  "From Yesterday, Yes i can

1. Michael Murphy
2. Patrick McBrearty
3. Odhran MacNiallais
4. Darrach O'Connor
5. Cian Mulligan
6. Micheal Carroll
7. Martin McElhinney
8. Daire O'Baoill
9. Frank McGlynn
10. Anthony Thompson
11. Paddy McGrath
12. Neil McGee
13. Kieran Gillespie
14. Mark McHugh
15. Paul 'Papa' Durkin

The above are all players involved in the Donegal Senior panel in the last 12 months, and most of whom are expected to be featuring come Championship as either starters or subs."
Ha ha you are good craic .. you forgot Christy Toye .. hell Kevin Cassidy.. what about Anthony Molloy while you are at it ... .. take that head out of the sand or you guys could be in a relegation battle if you lose to Armagh on sat night !

KeshGFC (Fermanagh) - Posts: 334 - 25/02/2019 23:16:05    2168207

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Replying To Tir Conaill Abu:  "
Replying To Commodore:  "From Yesterday, Yes i can

1. Michael Murphy
2. Patrick McBrearty
3. Odhran MacNiallais
4. Darrach O'Connor
5. Cian Mulligan
6. Micheal Carroll
7. Martin McElhinney
8. Daire O'Baoill
9. Frank McGlynn
10. Anthony Thompson
11. Paddy McGrath
12. Neil McGee
13. Kieran Gillespie
14. Mark McHugh
15. Paul 'Papa' Durkin

The above are all players involved in the Donegal Senior panel in the last 12 months, and most of whom are expected to be featuring come Championship as either starters or subs."
Seriously Commodore you're embarrassing yourself with that post and your knowledge of Donegal GAA is a bit suspect after that:

Paul Durcan only rejoined the panel last week and hasn't featured in years for Donegal.
Mark Mc Hugh and Anthony Thompson have taken themselves off the panel
Kieran Gillespie tore his cruciate and isn't expected back until 2020
As far as I know Darrach O' Connor has been dropped from the squad.

We need to forget this "we're missing players" crap and move on with the opportunities that it's giving younger lads like Gallen, O' Donnell, etc. Kerry are in Division 1 with a group of young lads and are yet to welcome back a host of experienced players, I know they are winning but if they weren't there would be no "we're missing players" crap.

The most disappointing aspect of the defeats was that we were in control of both games and didn't see them out. That could be put down to lack of leaders on the pitch and experience may turn some of these players into leaders. Murphy ain't gonna be around forever lads."
Well said

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 26/02/2019 07:44:33    2168229

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It annoys me that the GAA have gave McGeeney a ban, he has every right to protest against that clare game a fisted shot that was counted and a goal that didnt even go in combined with a harsh red card all in one game against Clare. Surely someone has to say something if Armagh gets relegated or it causes them promotion it would be very frustrating.

credit_crunch (Armagh) - Posts: 57 - 26/02/2019 09:27:06    2168240

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Replying To Tir Conaill Abu:  "
Replying To Commodore:  "From Yesterday, Yes i can

1. Michael Murphy
2. Patrick McBrearty
3. Odhran MacNiallais
4. Darrach O'Connor
5. Cian Mulligan
6. Micheal Carroll
7. Martin McElhinney
8. Daire O'Baoill
9. Frank McGlynn
10. Anthony Thompson
11. Paddy McGrath
12. Neil McGee
13. Kieran Gillespie
14. Mark McHugh
15. Paul 'Papa' Durkin

The above are all players involved in the Donegal Senior panel in the last 12 months, and most of whom are expected to be featuring come Championship as either starters or subs."
Seriously Commodore you're embarrassing yourself with that post and your knowledge of Donegal GAA is a bit suspect after that:

Paul Durcan only rejoined the panel last week and hasn't featured in years for Donegal.
Mark Mc Hugh and Anthony Thompson have taken themselves off the panel
Kieran Gillespie tore his cruciate and isn't expected back until 2020
As far as I know Darrach O' Connor has been dropped from the squad.

We need to forget this "we're missing players" crap and move on with the opportunities that it's giving younger lads like Gallen, O' Donnell, etc. Kerry are in Division 1 with a group of young lads and are yet to welcome back a host of experienced players, I know they are winning but if they weren't there would be no "we're missing players" crap.

The most disappointing aspect of the defeats was that we were in control of both games and didn't see them out. That could be put down to lack of leaders on the pitch and experience may turn some of these players into leaders. Murphy ain't gonna be around forever lads."
Relying on Murphy is perplexing to me. He was a great player but is not as important as Ryan McHugh or mcbrearty imo. Correct about Kerry. I think that we expect too much from our lads. We as Donegal supporters expect games are ours to lose. We still are clinging to memories of beating the dubs in 2014. That was 5 years ago and we lost the final that year too. The team now is not the same as it was then. I think that we need to realize that we could have zero points, or 2 most likely rather than 4 after 4 of the easiest games in division 2. I said before that the cork game will sum up where we are at. This poor form is just where we are at rather than being down to missing players

Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3830 - 26/02/2019 09:35:01    2168246

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I think we all need to cool the jets a bit. I'll admit I probably overestimated our capabilities with the current playing personnel no harm to them, There is a lot of inexperience there and when Fermanagh upped the ante in the second half on Sunday we didn't really have anyone to grasp the situation and settle things down. Fermanagh deservedly went on and kicked for home.

All teams are missing players for one reason or another and we as supporters haven't got inside knowledge as to how intense training is currently. Teams will be at different levels and have different targets in mind for 2019. Again though, I'll hold my hand up and say I still thought Donegal would have enough to win this division in any case. It's looking tight now. We'll need to win every match from here on in and it certainly won't be easy.

Ultimately though it will come down to championship results and performance. Even if we don't go up, Ulster success and competing well in the Super 8's remain the main targets. Some Donegal fans would be better advised to keep their pitch forks away until we see what happens there.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9136 - 26/02/2019 10:53:53    2168271

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Meath v Kildare is the stand out. However there is a host of interesting games. Despite all the bluster from some donegal fans, the game against Armagh is a must win if they are to have any hope of promotion, particularly with Kildare playing them on last day. A defeat and they could be dragged into a relegation battle. Tipp v cork will be a Munster derby with a lot at stake, if cork are to avoid relegation then they must win, a loss v tipp will consign them to division 3. Can Fermanagh continue the fantastic league performance v Clare? A win here would surely make them fav for promotion
The Meath Kildare game is on a knife edge and no one can predict it one way or another, Meath have picked up a few injuries to key players and that could swing it in Kildare favor with some of their players returning, however I feel the 16th man in a packed navan might just give Meath the edge in a tight tight battle.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 26/02/2019 12:32:26    2168322

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Replying To royaldunne:  "Meath v Kildare is the stand out. However there is a host of interesting games. Despite all the bluster from some donegal fans, the game against Armagh is a must win if they are to have any hope of promotion, particularly with Kildare playing them on last day. A defeat and they could be dragged into a relegation battle. Tipp v cork will be a Munster derby with a lot at stake, if cork are to avoid relegation then they must win, a loss v tipp will consign them to division 3. Can Fermanagh continue the fantastic league performance v Clare? A win here would surely make them fav for promotion
The Meath Kildare game is on a knife edge and no one can predict it one way or another, Meath have picked up a few injuries to key players and that could swing it in Kildare favor with some of their players returning, however I feel the 16th man in a packed navan might just give Meath the edge in a tight tight battle."
Yep. It's time for us to sh1t or get off the pot in regards to promotion. Armagh beat us in the McKenna Cup so it won't be easy. Hopefully we might see a stronger starting 15 and with home advantage in Ballybofey I'll give us a hesitant nod to win it by 2 or 3 points.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9136 - 26/02/2019 13:03:17    2168333

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Replying To royaldunne:  "Meath v Kildare is the stand out. However there is a host of interesting games. Despite all the bluster from some donegal fans, the game against Armagh is a must win if they are to have any hope of promotion, particularly with Kildare playing them on last day. A defeat and they could be dragged into a relegation battle. Tipp v cork will be a Munster derby with a lot at stake, if cork are to avoid relegation then they must win, a loss v tipp will consign them to division 3. Can Fermanagh continue the fantastic league performance v Clare? A win here would surely make them fav for promotion
The Meath Kildare game is on a knife edge and no one can predict it one way or another, Meath have picked up a few injuries to key players and that could swing it in Kildare favor with some of their players returning, however I feel the 16th man in a packed navan might just give Meath the edge in a tight tight battle."
steady on lad steady on ....a win on sunday will put Fermanagh safe ...with the two toughest matches remaining after that..away to Armagh and away to Meath. While we would remain top I dont think we would be favourites for anything. Wont stop us dreaming and to hell with any notion that it might not be good for us long term bla bla, we'd be in the spotlight for 3 or 4 months in Div 1 so go for it I say, but we remain realistic ....its all about maintaining good habits and several times this season I had given up on Gallagher and his ways only for him and the team to redeem themselves to us all (notably half time v Cork and half time v Donegal, both moments when all Fermanagh fans drew breath and wondered if the dark times were back!!)

KeshGFC (Fermanagh) - Posts: 334 - 26/02/2019 14:36:10    2168370

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Replying To KeshGFC:  "steady on lad steady on ....a win on sunday will put Fermanagh safe ...with the two toughest matches remaining after that..away to Armagh and away to Meath. While we would remain top I dont think we would be favourites for anything. Wont stop us dreaming and to hell with any notion that it might not be good for us long term bla bla, we'd be in the spotlight for 3 or 4 months in Div 1 so go for it I say, but we remain realistic ....its all about maintaining good habits and several times this season I had given up on Gallagher and his ways only for him and the team to redeem themselves to us all (notably half time v Cork and half time v Donegal, both moments when all Fermanagh fans drew breath and wondered if the dark times were back!!)"
The way it's eyeing up, the last day MIGHT be a prelude to final :). I jest , but it's not beyond the realms of possibilities.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 26/02/2019 14:58:09    2168385

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This weekend I will go for Tipp, Donegal, Meath and Fermanagh all to win.

OLLIE (Louth) - Posts: 12224 - 26/02/2019 15:06:32    2168390

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Yep. It's time for us to sh1t or get off the pot in regards to promotion. Armagh beat us in the McKenna Cup so it won't be easy. Hopefully we might see a stronger starting 15 and with home advantage in Ballybofey I'll give us a hesitant nod to win it by 2 or 3 points."
Indeed. I think donegal will get their act together. But promotion might just be out of their hands. But then again who knows.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 26/02/2019 15:08:04    2168392

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Replying To OLLIE:  "This weekend I will go for Tipp, Donegal, Meath and Fermanagh all to win."
Hope you right Ollie.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 26/02/2019 15:24:36    2168398

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This weekend I will go for Draw, Armagh, Kildare and Fermanagh .

Byanthon (Tyrone) - Posts: 1780 - 26/02/2019 15:30:36    2168401

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Yep. It's time for us to sh1t or get off the pot in regards to promotion. Armagh beat us in the McKenna Cup so it won't be easy. Hopefully we might see a stronger starting 15 and with home advantage in Ballybofey I'll give us a hesitant nod to win it by 2 or 3 points."
I feel Donegal will win this......home advantage and something to prove.

I don't think Armagh are anywhere near as good as some pundits are saying. People talk about this brilliant forward line etc. O'Neill and Clarke are good on their day. Campbell very hit and miss, people talk about Rory Grugan as if he's the new Brian McGuigan or something. He's decent at best. There defence is poor so it really doesn't matter how good this forward line is, when you have a defence like Armagh's you are going to lose more than you win.

The_Fridge (Tyrone) - Posts: 2088 - 26/02/2019 15:40:01    2168407

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