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Donegal GAA thread

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Does anyone know what plan the players had in mind when they got rid of Paddy Carr? It's not really clear to me what they were hoping was going to happen. I don't see what has been achieved by removing Paddy Carr but keeping the same backroom team.

Green_Gold (Donegal) - Posts: 1874 - 29/03/2023 10:16:04    2467504

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Good to hear two good men. Let's get behind them"
Just curious are u the former chairman by any chance ?

eunans4ever (Donegal) - Posts: 1595 - 29/03/2023 10:40:50    2467512

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Replying To rorysboys:  "I said defenders not full back line. My point being we don't have top man to man markers to get us to the top.our half backs are all fine players going forward but bar eoin ban are they really good defenders.."
Is the full back line not part of the defence? You think Owen Ban is the only good man to man marker in the county? You obviously dont go to many matches within the county. There are plenty of good defenders in the county. Managers and backroom team need to go to club matches and find the defenders.

Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 275 - 29/03/2023 10:56:45    2467518

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Replying To Green_Gold:  "Does anyone know what plan the players had in mind when they got rid of Paddy Carr? It's not really clear to me what they were hoping was going to happen. I don't see what has been achieved by removing Paddy Carr but keeping the same backroom team."
McBrearty said in his interview on Sunday that he hoped O'Rourke would stay on.Carr probably had a different philosopy on the game to O'Rourke and Bradley a philosophy that the players were not happy with.Now that the players are happy with the regime it is up to them to produce the goods and they also have a new S&C man plus a weekend away to prepare.They are certainly being valued and listened to.It is now time for a bit of payback to the supporters.When you look at the absolute effort and commitment that Seamus Coleman gives to club and country
winning or losing it would make you think if you had 15 Donegal men on the pitch doing the same we wouldn't be too bad.

gunman (Donegal) - Posts: 1057 - 29/03/2023 11:09:09    2467520

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Replying To Tirchonailabu56:  "I ask this before, what other inside forwards have Donegal got to pick from besides McBreaty and Brennen at the moment?

What option do we have as a out and out full forward and not Hugh McFadden or any other midfielder playing out of position.

Who are the best inside forwards playing club football at the moment? Anybody care to mention a few options?

Getting scores from our full forward line is the biggest problem in my opinion. I'd like to see O Rourke give more new inside forwards plenty of game time in the group stages to prepare for next season."
What happened to Darach O Connor? Was making or close to Donegal at your peak when he was 18/19 havnt heard of him since?

sourmilk93 (Roscommon) - Posts: 1145 - 29/03/2023 11:38:09    2467531

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Assuming a serious effort put into training and tactics over the next month, and injuries clearing up, I think the team below can still be very competitive in Ulster and in the All-Ireland.

People can dislike the fact that O'Rourke and Bradley are still in situ. But it is what it is. Up to those two lads now to prove they can get the best out of what is still a talented squad of players. They haven't become Division 2 standard players overnight.

1. Patton
2. Curran
3. McCole
4. MacCeallbhuí
5. Gallagher
6. McMenamin
7. McColgan/McHugh
8. McGee/Langan
9. McGonagle
10. Langan/O'Baoíll
11. Thompson
12. Mogan/O'Donnell
13. Gallen
14. McBrearty/McFadden
15. Brennan

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9136 - 29/03/2023 11:50:55    2467536

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Replying To Lockjaw:  "Assuming a serious effort put into training and tactics over the next month, and injuries clearing up, I think the team below can still be very competitive in Ulster and in the All-Ireland.

People can dislike the fact that O'Rourke and Bradley are still in situ. But it is what it is. Up to those two lads now to prove they can get the best out of what is still a talented squad of players. They haven't become Division 2 standard players overnight.

1. Patton
2. Curran
3. McCole
4. MacCeallbhuí
5. Gallagher
6. McMenamin
7. McColgan/McHugh
8. McGee/Langan
9. McGonagle
10. Langan/O'Baoíll
11. Thompson
12. Mogan/O'Donnell
13. Gallen
14. McBrearty/McFadden
15. Brennan"
They didn't become division 2 players overnight, they became division 2 players because they weren't good enough to stay in division 1. There's nonsense from players in the media saying 'we're a division1 team'. We're not, we're a division 2 team. Not only did we finish with the least points this year, our points difference was worst by miles, we got a few hammerings in division 1. That team you have listed is probably our strongest, but the reality is there isn't one good tight man-marker in that team and there isn't a forward who can be depended on to average 5 or 6 points a game, in every game. That's what is needed to compete at the top level.

greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 471 - 29/03/2023 12:15:10    2467544

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By hook or by crook they finally got their man in. I don't see anything but the **** show continuing into the summer. Action is needed fast to clear out at least two of the main protagonists in this show. If this happens I can see very positive shoots but if not there will be more dark days ahead. I hope our Mayo friend gets the prediction right that it all comes tumbling down for those particular egotists, just like he did in everything related to the matters up to now.

panamasam (Australia) - Posts: 2782 - 29/03/2023 12:16:32    2467546

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Replying To Scenicparish:  "Is the full back line not part of the defence? You think Owen Ban is the only good man to man marker in the county? You obviously dont go to many matches within the county. There are plenty of good defenders in the county. Managers and backroom team need to go to club matches and find the defenders."
Eoin ban is the best man marker by a country mile.. you mention that there's plenty good defenders in the county. What I take from that is that you think these defenders are not on the squad. Big difference in club and county my friend it's easy being a good defender when you have 14 players behind the ball, you won't get that luxury if you want to take on the big teams in croke park etc.. says it all when your own club has only one player starting.. who do you think should be playing easy saying there's good defenders in the county without naming them..

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2404 - 29/03/2023 12:32:24    2467548

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Replying To eunans4ever:  "Just curious are u the former chairman by any chance ?"
I'm not but you would need to have a word with a few of your own clubmen to sort the problems out. A man of your standing could solve the problems.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2404 - 29/03/2023 12:34:35    2467549

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Replying To rorysboys:  "I said defenders not full back line. My point being we don't have top man to man markers to get us to the top.our half backs are all fine players going forward but bar eoin ban are they really good defenders.."
You asked another poster how did Curran play in Hyde Park. I'll ask a related question. How many players have scored from play against Curran this league campaign?

I agree with you however that our half-back line is a huge problem at the moment. It's not a lack of man-marking talent letting the team down however, nor is it necessarily the personnel in the back 6 at all.

SurelyToGod (Donegal) - Posts: 378 - 29/03/2023 13:32:23    2467565

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Replying To Tirchonailabu56:  "I ask this before, what other inside forwards have Donegal got to pick from besides McBreaty and Brennen at the moment?

What option do we have as a out and out full forward and not Hugh McFadden or any other midfielder playing out of position.

Who are the best inside forwards playing club football at the moment? Anybody care to mention a few options?

Getting scores from our full forward line is the biggest problem in my opinion. I'd like to see O Rourke give more new inside forwards plenty of game time in the group stages to prepare for next season."
I think you have answered your own question here, we don't have any other inside forwards other than McBrearty and Brennan. In last years club championship, Murphy and McBrearty were the two best forwards. Oisin Gallen had some good games but mostly played half forward for MaCumhaills. All our other forwards are either half forwards or midfielders. Aaron Doherty wasn't available this year but would be a good option in the years ahead.

Does our club football prohibit the development of inside forwards? It is very defensive and rarely is the ball kicked long to the full forward line. This is something that the academy could work on, developing lads from a young age to play there.

Green_Gold (Donegal) - Posts: 1874 - 29/03/2023 13:40:09    2467569

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Replying To rorysboys:  "I'm not but you would need to have a word with a few of your own clubmen to sort the problems out. A man of your standing could solve the problems."
Are u sure - seems fairly plausible to be???

Yes our new chairman has a huge mess to clean up from you and your club in the county board.

Whether he is up to that or not I'm not sure - but time will tell.

eunans4ever (Donegal) - Posts: 1595 - 29/03/2023 14:07:57    2467576

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Replying To greenfan:  "They didn't become division 2 players overnight, they became division 2 players because they weren't good enough to stay in division 1. There's nonsense from players in the media saying 'we're a division1 team'. We're not, we're a division 2 team. Not only did we finish with the least points this year, our points difference was worst by miles, we got a few hammerings in division 1. That team you have listed is probably our strongest, but the reality is there isn't one good tight man-marker in that team and there isn't a forward who can be depended on to average 5 or 6 points a game, in every game. That's what is needed to compete at the top level."
You may disagree with me and that's fair enough. But I think that a number of factors have prevented the lads from performing at their optimal levels this spring and relegation inevitably ensued.

- late appointment of managment team (Roscommon were later again of course, but they didn't have the total sideshow that we in Donegal had/are having to deal with)
- S&C/fitness was/is behind schedule
- Injuries. At various times without Langan, McBrearty, McHugh, Gallen, Thompson. A third of arguably the strongest starting 15.
- the retirement of our best ever player

The league has taken on greater significance over the years and even more so in 2023, given the trapdoor to the Tailteann Cup is there. But something that hasn't changed is that your year is judged mainly on Championship. Look, I could be eating these words after a shambolic championship - it may well happen. But all I'm saying is there's a window now for the squad to put in a massive shift to be ready for Down. Before we dismiss them as sub-standard, lets get behind them and see if they can restore a bit of pride in Donegal GAA. Lord knows we could do with it.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9136 - 29/03/2023 14:14:43    2467578

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Replying To SurelyToGod:  "You asked another poster how did Curran play in Hyde Park. I'll ask a related question. How many players have scored from play against Curran this league campaign?

I agree with you however that our half-back line is a huge problem at the moment. It's not a lack of man-marking talent letting the team down however, nor is it necessarily the personnel in the back 6 at all."
I'm not a statistician but from the last few games, Ben o Carroll got 3 last Sunday and Ryan o donoghoe got 1.2 for mayo game. Mark Curran is a fine player I don't question that he deserves his place probably will get the man marking role in the championship. Listen I'd be delighted if Curran goes on and makes the corner back position his own. Do I think he should have played in Ulster final last year I don't think so.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2404 - 29/03/2023 14:22:10    2467581

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Replying To eunans4ever:  "Are u sure - seems fairly plausible to be???

Yes our new chairman has a huge mess to clean up from you and your club in the county board.

Whether he is up to that or not I'm not sure - but time will tell."
I don't think fergus Mc gee is the problem. You know and we all know who the problem is.

rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2404 - 29/03/2023 14:24:21    2467583

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Replying To Green_Gold:  "I think you have answered your own question here, we don't have any other inside forwards other than McBrearty and Brennan. In last years club championship, Murphy and McBrearty were the two best forwards. Oisin Gallen had some good games but mostly played half forward for MaCumhaills. All our other forwards are either half forwards or midfielders. Aaron Doherty wasn't available this year but would be a good option in the years ahead.

Does our club football prohibit the development of inside forwards? It is very defensive and rarely is the ball kicked long to the full forward line. This is something that the academy could work on, developing lads from a young age to play there."
Our club football from underage up to Senior prohibits inside forwards and man markers. The whole coaching ethos has to change within the county or it will be the same old for years to come. Our biggest issue imo is that we have coaches still running around clubs from the Jim Mac era sticking to blanket defending. The issue is 2 fold then - no out and out man markers as they have load's of bodies around them at club level and therefore don't need to be strong in the art of defending and a shortage of good inside forwards as there is no space. Good inside forward now find themselves constantly drifting out the field to get on the ball. Lets be honest would many of the contributors here who have played football want to line out as an inside forward in the modern game. The academy may help but remember the coaches in any/all our development squads are always trying to win games - Rightly or wrongly.

Mid Don (Donegal) - Posts: 70 - 29/03/2023 14:32:12    2467585

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Replying To rorysboys:  "Eoin ban is the best man marker by a country mile.. you mention that there's plenty good defenders in the county. What I take from that is that you think these defenders are not on the squad. Big difference in club and county my friend it's easy being a good defender when you have 14 players behind the ball, you won't get that luxury if you want to take on the big teams in croke park etc.. says it all when your own club has only one player starting.. who do you think should be playing easy saying there's good defenders in the county without naming them.."
I never said some good defenders are not in the squad!!! Of course there is a big difference between club and county but a good manager should be able to spot a good defender and integrate him into the county team. A lot of county teams play with 14 men behind the ball but they are disiplined enough to break with pace and with scoring forwards but teams have to be prepared properly and very fit to play this way.
The fact only one of our players are on the starting 15 is to detriment of the county team. Maybe you have found part of the problem?

Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 275 - 29/03/2023 14:54:29    2467598

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Replying To Mid Don:  "Our club football from underage up to Senior prohibits inside forwards and man markers. The whole coaching ethos has to change within the county or it will be the same old for years to come. Our biggest issue imo is that we have coaches still running around clubs from the Jim Mac era sticking to blanket defending. The issue is 2 fold then - no out and out man markers as they have load's of bodies around them at club level and therefore don't need to be strong in the art of defending and a shortage of good inside forwards as there is no space. Good inside forward now find themselves constantly drifting out the field to get on the ball. Lets be honest would many of the contributors here who have played football want to line out as an inside forward in the modern game. The academy may help but remember the coaches in any/all our development squads are always trying to win games - Rightly or wrongly."
Good post. Sums it up pretty well.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9136 - 29/03/2023 15:27:15    2467612

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Replying To Mid Don:  "Our club football from underage up to Senior prohibits inside forwards and man markers. The whole coaching ethos has to change within the county or it will be the same old for years to come. Our biggest issue imo is that we have coaches still running around clubs from the Jim Mac era sticking to blanket defending. The issue is 2 fold then - no out and out man markers as they have load's of bodies around them at club level and therefore don't need to be strong in the art of defending and a shortage of good inside forwards as there is no space. Good inside forward now find themselves constantly drifting out the field to get on the ball. Lets be honest would many of the contributors here who have played football want to line out as an inside forward in the modern game. The academy may help but remember the coaches in any/all our development squads are always trying to win games - Rightly or wrongly."
Agree 100% with your contribution. Jim Mc Guinness and Rory Gallagher were very innovative in their approach and won a deserved All Ireland with Donegal. However their approach has ruined our game as it is a terrible game to watch. It is more about GPS stats than skill now.
Some of our greatest players ever would not have got picked for their teams nowadays. Can you imagine the likes of Jimmy Keavney (Dublin), Bomber Liston (Kerry) and Frank McGuigan (Tyrone) tracking back to defend the D on a continuous bases.
They would be trying to convince their managers that the battery in their GPS has gone flat.

letsgetgoing (Roscommon) - Posts: 506 - 29/03/2023 15:45:55    2467620

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