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Donegal GAA thread

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Replying To Cbar: "Apologies I am sure this has been commented on already but this is a long thread. What is Bonners situation? Has he got an agreement in place for a few more years?" he has one more year left. he signed up for 2 years last year greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 483 - 07/07/2022 10:30:34 2430222 Link
Replying To StockholmGael: "In fairness, our S&C has been atrocious under Bonner. The best example is Hughie, who believes he's taking the captaincy from Michael Murphy and can't last 70 minutes on the pitch." That is not fair, Hughie had an operation over the winter and when he returned got a few niggly injuries. He was never at full fitness this year which is a great shame, you can't judge him on that. He was one of our best players over the previous 4 years and we missed him this year. I am not an expert on S&C but I would guess that the reason we run out of steam in games is because we constantly run the ball. There is no way we can expect any player to keep constantly running for 70 minutes plus. At most we are able to sustain that type of game for 15/20 minutes. We need to re-think how we are playing the game, its energy sapping and not good to watch. What do we want - a team of rugby players? With some small adjustments we could be challenging the top teams, we don't have to abandon our natural running game but for period s of the game we need to kick pass, even if its just to save energy. Green_Gold (Donegal) - Posts: 1883 - 07/07/2022 10:34:31 2430224 Link
Replying To StockholmGael: "In fairness, our S&C has been atrocious under Bonner. The best example is Hughie, who believes he's taking the captaincy from Michael Murphy and can't last 70 minutes on the pitch." There are definitely question marks over the conditioning of the Donegal players compared to other teams and also the number of injuries picked up by Donegal players, particularly in the league. Maybe its bad luck, but it its definitely something that needs to be looked at when reviewing the season. People can say Bonner isn't the S&C coach, but he appoints the backroom team and he's the man at the top, so the buck stops with him if the people he appointed aren't up to the job. greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 483 - 07/07/2022 10:38:14 2430231 Link
Replying To greenfan: "There are definitely question marks over the conditioning of the Donegal players compared to other teams and also the number of injuries picked up by Donegal players, particularly in the league. Maybe its bad luck, but it its definitely something that needs to be looked at when reviewing the season. People can say Bonner isn't the S&C coach, but he appoints the backroom team and he's the man at the top, so the buck stops with him if the people he appointed aren't up to the job." Didn't Donegal not appoint a full time s&c last year, I think he's a Tyrone man. So management are probably working under him I presume. S&c might prevent injuries to an extent but even the top premier ship teams get huge amount of injuries so s&c can only do so much. Very hard to prevent cruciate injuries , hamstrings, etc. to answer your question it's mostly about luck. Look at Donegal when they win the all Ireland they had an almost injury free year but the next year they were decimated.. there's nobody to blame for that, rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2423 - 07/07/2022 10:55:26 2430239 Link
Replying To The keeper: "I would have wanted Frank Spencer before our current management team. As i seen what he did in his first spell. Talented footballers back then also, but management couldn't get the best out of them. Seems to be history repeating itself. Its an embarrassing situation where tryone won the all Ireland last year with a completely new management team, and half the size of Donegal at best. Time Donegal football took a look at itself. Or are we happy with just taking part." Tyrone is much bigger in GAA terms than Donegal,They have 54 clubs and we have 40.They have strong college football and a great tradition for producing top class underage teams which goes back to the 1940's and continues to this day.They also happen to have more top class footballers than we have. gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1066 - 07/07/2022 10:55:47 2430240 Link
Replying To rorysboys: "Didn't know bonner was a s&c coach. The man must have many talent's.. for your information Hughie got a horrible injury last year and it was doubtful if he would play any football this year. But in fairness to Hugh he came back after missing a lot of games. Maybe that was the reason he didn't last 70 minutes.. you probably blame bonner for Hugh getting injured playing for killybegs.?jesus wept." He is responsible for hiring competent staff, including S&C. He failed that time too. Bonner's time has been plagued by playing injured or unfit players and filling the bench with the same. Listen, Bonner will eventually go and you'll have someone else whose incompetent to defend to the hilt. Life rolls on. StockholmGael (Donegal) - Posts: 113 - 07/07/2022 11:40:51 2430258 Link
One thing that most people haven't taken into consideration when reviewing Donegal's performance in 2022 is the number of injuries we had throughout the National League. At various stages we were missing Michael Murphy, Jamie Brennan, Michael Langan, Ciaran Thompson, Niall O'Donnell, Hugh McFadden, Caolan McGonigle and Stephen McMenamin. Some of these lads had little or no game time by the start of Ulster Championship. It is important to acknowledge this, as it may have been a factor in our lack of energy in Championship. Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1123 - 07/07/2022 13:21:03 2430284 Link
People can look at injuries this year, and other factors. But my point is with the talent we have had in the 5 years this management team have been with them, we have failed to make even one semi final. An other poster stated that tryone have more clubs and better collage football, and have better gaa heritage since the 1940s. But my point is, when we had a great management setup, tryone could not beat us. Tryone only won all there all irelands this past 20+ years, yes they had talented players, but what made them is they got the right management to lead them. To have them playing as a team. Getting the best out of everyone. Is our current management team getting the best out of Donegal this past 5 years, everyone knows what i think. I believe there are plenty other supporter's who agree. And my point is simple, what benefit would there be letting our current management stay on one more year? I dont see any. Or do we start again with a new voice, new ideas and a new approach. I believe we have to. The keeper (Donegal) - Posts: 687 - 07/07/2022 15:09:09 2430327 Link
Replying To The keeper: "People can look at injuries this year, and other factors. But my point is with the talent we have had in the 5 years this management team have been with them, we have failed to make even one semi final. An other poster stated that tryone have more clubs and better collage football, and have better gaa heritage since the 1940s. But my point is, when we had a great management setup, tryone could not beat us. Tryone only won all there all irelands this past 20+ years, yes they had talented players, but what made them is they got the right management to lead them. To have them playing as a team. Getting the best out of everyone. Is our current management team getting the best out of Donegal this past 5 years, everyone knows what i think. I believe there are plenty other supporter's who agree. And my point is simple, what benefit would there be letting our current management stay on one more year? I dont see any. Or do we start again with a new voice, new ideas and a new approach. I believe we have to." Bonner has as good a record against Tyrone as any manager. You say Tyrone is half the size of Donegal what planet are you on, or did you ever leave glenties. rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2423 - 07/07/2022 16:11:50 2430341 Link
Well Bojo is gone before Bonner anyway, or on the way out the door at least, any word coming from the big meeting yesterday, was expecting a press conference from Bonner today!! surprised declansboy hasn't the scoop on it tbh. Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 2777 - 07/07/2022 16:41:27 2430352 Link
I have heard from a reliable source that the management are stepping away. So we have to now make sure we leave no stone unturned to find the right man to lead us in the next 3 years. I personally think there should be input when picking a manager from recent ex players like lacey and other people that knows what it takes to reach the highest level. Set up an interview panel of past players of recent times, and find the right Man. Please god the men in charge dont take the easy option like previous years. I will always believed that the made the wrong decision 5 years ago. The keeper (Donegal) - Posts: 687 - 07/07/2022 17:36:47 2430367 Link
Replying To Tirchonaill1: "Well Bojo is gone before Bonner anyway, or on the way out the door at least, any word coming from the big meeting yesterday, was expecting a press conference from Bonner today!! surprised declansboy hasn't the scoop on it tbh." John was supposed to tell us two weeks ago, the pigeon must still be waiting in Dooey Airport. peiledoir20 (Donegal) - Posts: 818 - 07/07/2022 18:15:00 2430379 Link
Replying To Tirchonaill1: "Well Bojo is gone before Bonner anyway, or on the way out the door at least, any word coming from the big meeting yesterday, was expecting a press conference from Bonner today!! surprised declansboy hasn't the scoop on it tbh." Based on the silence since the Armagh game, the fortnight to "think things over" and the fact that there still has been no word since the meeting on Wednesday, I believe Bonner is desperate to stay on and is simply waiting for the outrage that followed the Armagh game to settle. Wouldn't suprise me at all if we hear towards the tail end of next week that Bonner will stay on to finish his term. papa_pump (Donegal) - Posts: 71 - 08/07/2022 09:56:43 2430407 Link
Replying To gunman: "Tyrone is much bigger in GAA terms than Donegal,They have 54 clubs and we have 40.They have strong college football and a great tradition for producing top class underage teams which goes back to the 1940's and continues to this day.They also happen to have more top class footballers than we have." Tyrone might have more clubs, but I would say there isn't really much in it between the pool size of players they have to pick from when we examine the population of each County. Tyrone population is ~178,000 of which, of which at least 40% are from Unionist community which does not engage in GAA sports generally. So Tyrone probably has a potential playing population of ~110,000 to pull from. Donegal population is ~160,000, which when you whittle it down from Soccer etc, Donegal probably have a slight edge in terms of size of player pool of ~130,000. A big problem we have is young players dropping away from Gaelic games or becoming less committed around the 16-20 age group, it happens everywhere. I think greater work needs to go into keeping good players playing the game. Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1123 - 08/07/2022 09:56:57 2430408 Link
Replying To The keeper: "I have heard from a reliable source that the management are stepping away. So we have to now make sure we leave no stone unturned to find the right man to lead us in the next 3 years. I personally think there should be input when picking a manager from recent ex players like lacey and other people that knows what it takes to reach the highest level. Set up an interview panel of past players of recent times, and find the right Man. Please god the men in charge dont take the easy option like previous years. I will always believed that the made the wrong decision 5 years ago." I would agree with you that if a new management team is to be appointed, an in-depth process needs to be conducted. However I think we need to be cautious over the influence of big players like Michael Murphy, who I believe had serious input into the Donegal team setup and selection in recent years. A manager needs to be the boss, needs to emphasize that the team is bigger than the individual. We won't win an All Ireland if the manager is afraid of the influence of key players and has to tip toe around them. Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1123 - 08/07/2022 10:01:31 2430410 Link
Replying To papa_pump: "Based on the silence since the Armagh game, the fortnight to "think things over" and the fact that there still has been no word since the meeting on Wednesday, I believe Bonner is desperate to stay on and is simply waiting for the outrage that followed the Armagh game to settle. Wouldn't suprise me at all if we hear towards the tail end of next week that Bonner will stay on to finish his term." Not sure, I would have thought with the high level of dissatisfaction within the County right now with the teams performance, that the County Board would be pushing for change. If Declan Bonner stays on for 1 more year, I would at least expect a major shake up of the backroom team in an attempt to freshen things up. if Declan does opt to step away, Malachy O'Rouke (Lives in Ballygawley, Co Tyrone) would be a serious option. There are a host of former players like Michael Boyle, Frank McGlynn, Leo McLoone, Paddy McGrath and Papa Durkin who could help make up a solid backroom team, as well as people with a good Club scene knowledge like Gary McDaid, Either way things need to be at least freshened up. Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1123 - 08/07/2022 10:12:34 2430413 Link
Replying To Commodore: "Tyrone might have more clubs, but I would say there isn't really much in it between the pool size of players they have to pick from when we examine the population of each County. Tyrone population is ~178,000 of which, of which at least 40% are from Unionist community which does not engage in GAA sports generally. So Tyrone probably has a potential playing population of ~110,000 to pull from. Donegal population is ~160,000, which when you whittle it down from Soccer etc, Donegal probably have a slight edge in terms of size of player pool of ~130,000. A big problem we have is young players dropping away from Gaelic games or becoming less committed around the 16-20 age group, it happens everywhere. I think greater work needs to go into keeping good players playing the game." Yeah there's a lot going on for youngsters in that age group. They'll have important exams, college choices etc. Then when college is finished a lot of them move away for job oppontuntities or travel. I know in a good few clubs the player pool will often consist of a group of young lads 17-21 or so, then at the other end of the scale you'll have your experienced lads 30+. It's that gap in the middle that can have a hugely detrimental affect, particularly on smaller clubs. Lads in their physical prime who would be huge assets to their clubs if they were based at home. That's life I suppose. People will have priorities other than football. Work may dicate that they can't live at home or many will choose to go off and explore the world. Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9190 - 08/07/2022 10:40:06 2430422 Link
Replying To Commodore: "Not sure, I would have thought with the high level of dissatisfaction within the County right now with the teams performance, that the County Board would be pushing for change. If Declan Bonner stays on for 1 more year, I would at least expect a major shake up of the backroom team in an attempt to freshen things up. if Declan does opt to step away, Malachy O'Rouke (Lives in Ballygawley, Co Tyrone) would be a serious option. There are a host of former players like Michael Boyle, Frank McGlynn, Leo McLoone, Paddy McGrath and Papa Durkin who could help make up a solid backroom team, as well as people with a good Club scene knowledge like Gary McDaid, Either way things need to be at least freshened up." I agree with you on Malachy. If Bonner moves on, he must be the priority. Only thing is, with Banty stepped away now Malachy might fancy another cut at Monaghan. There's always the possibility that he wants to continue his project at Glen too. But certainly in terms of candidates he's a cut above the current options internally. papa_pump (Donegal) - Posts: 71 - 08/07/2022 10:57:34 2430426 Link
Replying To papa_pump: "Based on the silence since the Armagh game, the fortnight to "think things over" and the fact that there still has been no word since the meeting on Wednesday, I believe Bonner is desperate to stay on and is simply waiting for the outrage that followed the Armagh game to settle. Wouldn't suprise me at all if we hear towards the tail end of next week that Bonner will stay on to finish his term." If bonner wants to stay on he will stay on. Bonner will make up his own mind with family etc. do you honestly think that bonner is buying time just to keep his job. Can't believe you said that. rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2423 - 08/07/2022 11:12:09 2430434 Link
Replying To The keeper: "I have heard from a reliable source that the management are stepping away. So we have to now make sure we leave no stone unturned to find the right man to lead us in the next 3 years. I personally think there should be input when picking a manager from recent ex players like lacey and other people that knows what it takes to reach the highest level. Set up an interview panel of past players of recent times, and find the right Man. Please god the men in charge dont take the easy option like previous years. I will always believed that the made the wrong decision 5 years ago." I would be surprised if you had a reliable source. Mayb you met bonner and you asked him.. if bonner does go, we'll see how big a gaa man Mc Guinness is then. Surely n Conal will nominate him for the job..so expectations are winning Ulster first year and a all Ireland semi final if not I'm proven right we're not good enough rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2423 - 08/07/2022 11:20:17 2430439 Link