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Now that we can draw a line under the management question, what do you think are the most pressing items on the agenda for Paddy Carr & AOR? Also, what do you think would be realistic targets to achieve in 2023? For me... Agenda: - style of play/maximizing Murphy's talent while we still have him - improve man on man marking & overall defensive intensity - inside forwards i.e. reduce reliance on PMB, can we get Gallen right? Any newcomers? Targets: - retain Div 1 status - Ulster final (if there, why not win it?) - Quarter final (throw everything at it, no what ifs?) Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9169 - 27/10/2022 09:44:42 2445589 Link
Replying To Lockjaw: "Now that we can draw a line under the management question, what do you think are the most pressing items on the agenda for Paddy Carr & AOR? Also, what do you think would be realistic targets to achieve in 2023? For me... Agenda: - style of play/maximizing Murphy's talent while we still have him - improve man on man marking & overall defensive intensity - inside forwards i.e. reduce reliance on PMB, can we get Gallen right? Any newcomers? Targets: - retain Div 1 status - Ulster final (if there, why not win it?) - Quarter final (throw everything at it, no what ifs?)" The most important thing will be to stay in Div 1 of the league which will guarantee a place in the group stages of the All Ireland Championship.We will need to hit the ground running.The Ulster champioship is not that important for Div 1 teams in the new structure. gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1063 - 27/10/2022 10:42:13 2445607 Link
Retaining div 1 status Winning Ulster Getting to at least a q final. Nothing less if it's going to be a successful year rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2416 - 27/10/2022 10:47:00 2445609 Link
Agenda - Is Paddy fit at top level - probably not. If he's not can we press? If not and we want to - drop him. - Ryan McHugh has been poor for 2 years - find a position that works. - Manage the little time Michael has left and reduce reliance on him out the field. We cannot continue expect him to do everything. - Overall style of play, be more ambitious and try to be more direct. No short kick outs every time, no working the clock down before a shot, utlise kicking game more. - Defensive intensity Targets - Win games in division 1 and try to stay in the league - Ulster final Samsforthehills (Donegal) - Posts: 1072 - 27/10/2022 11:01:42 2445617 Link
McHugh in with us this year as a coach. How is he rated in Donegal in coaching. dave1988 (Roscommon) - Posts: 1061 - 27/10/2022 11:52:56 2445632 Link
Agreed, all your targets are very realistic with the talent in your squad especially with a fresh approach. Keeping Michael Murphy at full forward is a no brainier , seeing him back hand passing on his own 45m was such a welcome relief for too many opposing full back over the years. It would make sense as well to locate Ryan McHugh at 10 and Peadar Mogan at 12 , both are talented forwards and it's frustrating to have them start attacks with energy sapping , physically punishing runs from deep inside their own half where they can be easily targeted and 'obstructed'. I think this might give Ryan a new lease of life , if he can slip his marker or gets fouled as a half forward there is a possibility of kicking a score. Caolan Ward is an intelligent right wing back , good passer and uses possession well. He is less comfortable at full back as highlighted by NC's goal in the county final. Jeac MacCeallabhuí has great energy, good man marker and capable of chipping in a score or two , deserves an extended run at left half back. There may be a need to redefine Shaun Patton's role . His main asset is his superb restarts , a tactic not used once when playing with a strong breeze during the first half in the county final when it was 15 a side. I know NC conceded kick outs but there are times when you prefer seeing big guys like McFadden, McGee, McGonigle and Langan contest a 50:50 when 80m from your own goal than risk a fumble from a corner back with deadly forwards ready to pounce. Bringing him up to kick 45s doesn't seem to be working. Playing him in a sweeping role to keep possession might be OK when defending a 4-5 points lead . Saw him getting involved at least six times when St Eunans owned the ball in the last 4 mins and chasing the game in the final but seemed to slow down momentum each time with a slow sideways hand pass. Donegal's main strength is in their talented forward line .. the 2012 team had 4 or 5 physically strong, mobile backs all capable of stopping a forward in their tracks, turning and even dispossessing him without fouling. Biggest challenge for new management is finding a few more backs of that quality, it's a challenge indeed for most teams as I often see weak backs (albeit at a lower standard than in Donegal clubs/county) tending to 'hide' in a cluster defence and not taking responsibility for tight man marking. A fully fit Stephen McMeniman is the most likely of the current backs, Conor Morrison was shaping well pre injury. Hope McFadden Ferry recovers in time for 2023. Good luck to the new Donegal management, you guys have every right to look forward with hope. A big welcome and best of luck to Mark McHugh , expectations would be lower here especially having to play Mayo and Galway to reach a Connacht final. Curlew66 (Roscommon) - Posts: 507 - 27/10/2022 13:22:12 2445651 Link
Alright lads, now that the new management is in and the county championship has completed, and we know that Neil has retired and just say we've no injuries worries what is paddy and aiden first team selection for league starting fixture.. Has anyone put their hand up for consideration in club championship.. For what it's worth here's my selection. SPatton CWard SMcmemian Ó McFaddenferry EBan HmcFadden DOb Cmcgongle JmcGee CThomason M langán Codonnell/Ryan McHugh Paddy mcbererty M murphy Ó gallen, I know this team selection won't be everyone but there probably should be more NC players in as they are countie champions.. The one thing I did notice about this is the amount of attacking talent that we have is unbelievable.. Feel free to dissect my team and put in who's your preference.. I look forward to all your team selections.. RoryGall35 (Donegal) - Posts: 168 - 27/10/2022 13:30:15 2445654 Link
1. Patton 2. McMenamin 3. McCole 4. Morrison (being optimistic that he can get back up to speed) 5. McCeallbhuí 6. EBG 7. E O'Donnell 8. J McGee 9. Langan 10. R McHugh/Mogan 11. Thompson 12. N O'Donnell/S O'Donnell 13. McBrearty 14. Murphy 15. Gallen I would also be open to giving the captaincy to someone else and leaving Michael free to solely concentrate on laying waste to every full back line he comes up against. Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9169 - 27/10/2022 15:50:30 2445699 Link
Replying To Lockjaw: "1. Patton 2. McMenamin 3. McCole 4. Morrison (being optimistic that he can get back up to speed) 5. McCeallbhuí 6. EBG 7. E O'Donnell 8. J McGee 9. Langan 10. R McHugh/Mogan 11. Thompson 12. N O'Donnell/S O'Donnell 13. McBrearty 14. Murphy 15. Gallen I would also be open to giving the captaincy to someone else and leaving Michael free to solely concentrate on laying waste to every full back line he comes up against." it's time to start moving on from Murphy, call a spade a spade, he got torn to shreds in ulster final last year with speed and fitness and then when he goes into full forward, he hasn't the speed to really destroy a team, he comes out with moments of brilliance but maybe it's time to make him a bit part player, same with Conor mc Manus down here, time to move on. Full backs would love to see him come in full forward mainly due to the fact that his only main strength now is power and shooting and any team would love to see high balls come into him as all a full back needs to do now is break them and its swept up, its probably why the last few years he has played out the field. monaghanmad (Monaghan) - Posts: 380 - 27/10/2022 16:49:00 2445706 Link
Replying To monaghanmad: "it's time to start moving on from Murphy, call a spade a spade, he got torn to shreds in ulster final last year with speed and fitness and then when he goes into full forward, he hasn't the speed to really destroy a team, he comes out with moments of brilliance but maybe it's time to make him a bit part player, same with Conor mc Manus down here, time to move on. Full backs would love to see him come in full forward mainly due to the fact that his only main strength now is power and shooting and any team would love to see high balls come into him as all a full back needs to do now is break them and its swept up, its probably why the last few years he has played out the field." I suggest you take a look at Glenswilly VS Naomh Conaill on the TG4 player and get back to us afterwards. See if you believe Michael Murphy is finished after you watch that. Murphy at full forward would still command attention from the opposition's number 1 defender. He's only just turned 33, what is the obsession with writing players off as soon as they hit 32 / 33? If Donegal were in a transition period with no hope of winning anything, I'd agree that maybe it was time to move on from Murphy, and put extra responsibility on younger players, but they've still got a huge chance at winning an Ulster title. As for McManus, he's now 35 and the last time we seen him play was in the SFC semi final when he scored 4 points from play while being double marked by Drew and Ryan Wylie! Monaghan are still setting out their to win an Ulster championship, so why on earth would Monaghan not want their best forward playing, even if he is older? I believe he was still the top scorer in the Monaghan SFC? (not including games from teams played in the relegation round-robin). While it's not a good sign, he may be 35, but he's still pretty clearly the best forward in the county. HB245 (Monaghan) - Posts: 206 - 27/10/2022 18:01:59 2445715 Link
Replying To Lockjaw: "1. Patton 2. McMenamin 3. McCole 4. Morrison (being optimistic that he can get back up to speed) 5. McCeallbhuí 6. EBG 7. E O'Donnell 8. J McGee 9. Langan 10. R McHugh/Mogan 11. Thompson 12. N O'Donnell/S O'Donnell 13. McBrearty 14. Murphy 15. Gallen I would also be open to giving the captaincy to someone else and leaving Michael free to solely concentrate on laying waste to every full back line he comes up against." This is possibly our best team, I'm not sure I could improve on this. It has more natural defenders and puts Mogan and McHugh into areas where they could penetrate and draw scoreable frees rather than getting battered around the half back line and midfield. The midfield you've chosen is more mobile and talented football wise. I really like the look of that team, would love to see it. Donegal_abroad (Donegal) - Posts: 1321 - 27/10/2022 20:06:10 2445724 Link
Replying To monaghanmad: "it's time to start moving on from Murphy, call a spade a spade, he got torn to shreds in ulster final last year with speed and fitness and then when he goes into full forward, he hasn't the speed to really destroy a team, he comes out with moments of brilliance but maybe it's time to make him a bit part player, same with Conor mc Manus down here, time to move on. Full backs would love to see him come in full forward mainly due to the fact that his only main strength now is power and shooting and any team would love to see high balls come into him as all a full back needs to do now is break them and its swept up, its probably why the last few years he has played out the field." I don't think any full back would like to see Murphy coming into full forward. I tell you this Murphy is not that easy stopped. rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2416 - 27/10/2022 21:20:21 2445731 Link
Replying To monaghanmad: "it's time to start moving on from Murphy, call a spade a spade, he got torn to shreds in ulster final last year with speed and fitness and then when he goes into full forward, he hasn't the speed to really destroy a team, he comes out with moments of brilliance but maybe it's time to make him a bit part player, same with Conor mc Manus down here, time to move on. Full backs would love to see him come in full forward mainly due to the fact that his only main strength now is power and shooting and any team would love to see high balls come into him as all a full back needs to do now is break them and its swept up, its probably why the last few years he has played out the field." Well I suppose the only way to find out is to try it. I don't think Michael was ever really blessed with blistering pace. But his football brain allied with his power set him apart. If Donegal do opt for him at full forward I suppose it will be up to management to devise ways to maximize his impact...e.g. getting players more open to hitting early direct ball more often and finding ways to isolate him against full backs. I'm not so sure full backs would love to see him come in full forward as you say. Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9169 - 28/10/2022 09:27:24 2445743 Link
Replying To monaghanmad: "it's time to start moving on from Murphy, call a spade a spade, he got torn to shreds in ulster final last year with speed and fitness and then when he goes into full forward, he hasn't the speed to really destroy a team, he comes out with moments of brilliance but maybe it's time to make him a bit part player, same with Conor mc Manus down here, time to move on. Full backs would love to see him come in full forward mainly due to the fact that his only main strength now is power and shooting and any team would love to see high balls come into him as all a full back needs to do now is break them and its swept up, its probably why the last few years he has played out the field." He showed in the senior club championship this year that when played at full forward he is still the best forward in Donegal. He won a serious amount of marks and because he is a free taker he is very comfortable kicking scores after taking a mark. Dont need pace to play in there as a target man, all he needs is good ball kicked in and he will still do serious damage. greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 478 - 28/10/2022 10:56:15 2445759 Link
Replying To greenfan: "He showed in the senior club championship this year that when played at full forward he is still the best forward in Donegal. He won a serious amount of marks and because he is a free taker he is very comfortable kicking scores after taking a mark. Dont need pace to play in there as a target man, all he needs is good ball kicked in and he will still do serious damage." Just look at what Kevin Cassidy was able to do in the 2018 Gweedore team and Murphy is far more equipped to do it than Cassidy was naomh_conaill_4 (Donegal) - Posts: 482 - 28/10/2022 17:16:57 2445821 Link
Replying To monaghanmad: "it's time to start moving on from Murphy, call a spade a spade, he got torn to shreds in ulster final last year with speed and fitness and then when he goes into full forward, he hasn't the speed to really destroy a team, he comes out with moments of brilliance but maybe it's time to make him a bit part player, same with Conor mc Manus down here, time to move on. Full backs would love to see him come in full forward mainly due to the fact that his only main strength now is power and shooting and any team would love to see high balls come into him as all a full back needs to do now is break them and its swept up, its probably why the last few years he has played out the field." Full back would love to see him come in?Wow I don't think many would.I get your point if a high ball comes in a defender just has to break it and hope the corner back sweeps up but on paper that might be easy but in reality Murphy has a great understanding of the game,so strong in the air and the man sure can score.If Donegal want to put Murphy on the scrap heap,we will take him down here in Meath with open arms(tongue in cheek of course)He still has alot to offer and far from finished yet I would back. Proudroyal (Meath) - Posts: 258 - 28/10/2022 21:24:07 2445828 Link
Looking at some underage results and games lately and by god are Four Masters doing some job from the bottom up. Definitely think they will be fighting for Maguires in the next 5-6 years. Same can be said for Glenswilly. naomh_conaill_4 (Donegal) - Posts: 482 - 29/10/2022 17:26:42 2445892 Link
Good Luck to new management team, A Fanad man in charge of Gaelic Football in Donegal, how times have changed. jacktheboy (Donegal) - Posts: 409 - 29/10/2022 18:24:15 2445896 Link
Any word on backroom team? TheRock2121 (Donegal) - Posts: 1143 - 31/10/2022 12:13:30 2446032 Link
Tasty League opener at home to Kerry.If that doesn't energise the team and supporters ,nothing will. gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1063 - 02/11/2022 11:21:48 2446205 Link