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Donegal GAA thread

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Replying To ulsterrules:  "As Assistant manager RG helped win 2 Ulster titles, 1 All Ireland with McGuiness, managed Donegal to 2 Ulster Finals.
He took Div 4 Derry all the way to Div 1 and won an Ulster title for the 1st time in 24 years.

Sounds like success to me.

RG was mentioned to counter your point about McGuiness only wanting Donegal men which is not true."
I didn't say McGuinness wouldn't go for outsiders, last winter he came close to recruiting another Fermanagh man, who declined last minute. I just can't see him going for anybody from a potential rival Ulster County, His preference would be someone from within Donegal, but unfortunately we just don't always have the top picks available within.

RG was brought in and taught by McGuinness, Jim had a track record of this tactical setup with Naomh Conaill before the Donegal job, RG didn't have any track record playing any such system, he was educated in that style from Jim, albeit aside from tactical team setup, he is said to be a good coach.

RG has his chance during 2015, 2016, 2017 seasons and he failed to deliver, then Declan Bonnar arrived in 2018 and won back to back Ulster titles and a Division 2 title and McKenna Cup in 2018 - 2019. He eventually managed to win an Ulster title with Derry after 5 years with Derry.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1907 - 02/07/2026 11:28:06    2683619

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Replying To ulsterrules:  "John McElholm is a great GAA man and I hope he continues to do well with monaghan, but Rochfords record in GAA management is miles ahead, As a manager he won the Club All Ireland at intercounty level he got to 2 all Ireland Finals in a row. Also Helped win and Ulter title with Donegal.

Even with Hindsight you cannot compare the 2 records"
Stephen Rochfords record before joining Donegal is impressive, but if solely comparing their records in the Donegal backroom team, there isn't much between them.

2017 was really poor year for Donegal, Declan Bonnar came in for 2018 with John McElholm and there was a dramatic turnaround in fortunes, winning Ulster was a huge turnaround. McElholm felt Donegal would have done better in 2019 had he stayed on.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1907 - 02/07/2026 11:35:56    2683624

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