Another positive side note. Great to see the buzz in the pubs around town on Sundays and into the night we've had home matches. Div 1 has been great for the businesses in town in a trying time for those businesses.
Congrats to manager Davy Burke and his backroom team and all the players in staying in Division 1. Great achievement and the value of it won't be seen until next winter when we see the fixtures for 2024. Certainly exceeded my expectations as I thought we would struggle big time but we stayed up comfortably. Fair enough the cards fell our way early doors but to beat 3 ulster teams is no mean achievement.
However the real business starts now and good to see some strength in depth in the forward line in particular. 21 scores yesterday was good and it was noticeable that the scoring rate across all divisions increased significantly with the warmwr dryer weather.
I still think we will struggle in midfield and the full back line as options are not as viable. Keeper situation remains questionable as well and it is an issue for a lot of teams. Lot of goalies changes with the top teams yesterday and Cluxton is now back in the Dublin fold ableit for injury cover it was stated. I would like to have seen Aaron Brady, Colin Walsh and Paul Carey get a start yesterday as it's highly unlikely they are going to feature in the championship now.
The other thing I'd be concerned about is we don't seem to have a plan B. Again Mayo have that option of long high ball into O Shea which they didn't have to show in the league game, Kerry have it in Clifford, Galway have it in Tierney and have used it to good effect v Armagh and Kerry in recent weeks. I'd like to see Ciaran Lennon on edge of square at some stages in a match as he can win his own ball and offers something different to the rest of the forwards. He has done well at his defensive duties at wing forward for the league
All.that been said Ross are in a great position for next two weeks where Mayo v Galway have to face each other so injuries etc become an issue while Ross are prepping for one game only.
Anyone name their team for Sunday 9th taking acvount injuries.
My starting team would be and taking into account the front 6 normally has one or two defensive roles dropping back.
Carroll, Murray, Conor Daly, Eoin McCormack, Niall Daly, Brian Stack, Richard Hughes. Keith Doyle and Enda Smith in midfield. Ciaran Lennon, Ciaran Murtagh, Niall Kilroy (for experience and did well v Monaghan). Ben O Carroll, Diarmuid Murtagh and Daire Cregg if fit.
Replying To SmokieRoss: "Congrats to manager Davy Burke and his backroom team and all the players in staying in Division 1. Great achievement and the value of it won't be seen until next winter when we see the fixtures for 2024. Certainly exceeded my expectations as I thought we would struggle big time but we stayed up comfortably. Fair enough the cards fell our way early doors but to beat 3 ulster teams is no mean achievement.
However the real business starts now and good to see some strength in depth in the forward line in particular. 21 scores yesterday was good and it was noticeable that the scoring rate across all divisions increased significantly with the warmwr dryer weather.
I still think we will struggle in midfield and the full back line as options are not as viable. Keeper situation remains questionable as well and it is an issue for a lot of teams. Lot of goalies changes with the top teams yesterday and Cluxton is now back in the Dublin fold ableit for injury cover it was stated. I would like to have seen Aaron Brady, Colin Walsh and Paul Carey get a start yesterday as it's highly unlikely they are going to feature in the championship now.
The other thing I'd be concerned about is we don't seem to have a plan B. Again Mayo have that option of long high ball into O Shea which they didn't have to show in the league game, Kerry have it in Clifford, Galway have it in Tierney and have used it to good effect v Armagh and Kerry in recent weeks. I'd like to see Ciaran Lennon on edge of square at some stages in a match as he can win his own ball and offers something different to the rest of the forwards. He has done well at his defensive duties at wing forward for the league
All.that been said Ross are in a great position for next two weeks where Mayo v Galway have to face each other so injuries etc become an issue while Ross are prepping for one game only.
Anyone name their team for Sunday 9th taking acvount injuries.
My starting team would be and taking into account the front 6 normally has one or two defensive roles dropping back.
Carroll, Murray, Conor Daly, Eoin McCormack, Niall Daly, Brian Stack, Richard Hughes. Keith Doyle and Enda Smith in midfield. Ciaran Lennon, Ciaran Murtagh, Niall Kilroy (for experience and did well v Monaghan). Ben O Carroll, Diarmuid Murtagh and Daire Cregg if fit.
Roll on Easter Sunday."
I thought Carrolls kick outs were very good yesterday but then again Donegal didn't exactly play at high intensity.
We did try high ball late on against Monaghan, Mayo and Kerry and got nothing from them...nearly did , but maybe need to be more strategic.
I was thinking yesterday when TOR went off injured could C Lennon be utilised at midfield? I'd say young Fallon has a bit to go on the conditioning side.
I'd agree with most of your 15 but if Eddie Nolan was back at full fitness and had a challenge match under his belt I'd be inclined to go with him and keep Enda as a link man in the half forward line.