Donegal GAA Discussion Thread

Redsoxfan

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

As above.

It's imperative we try and get as best a clean bull of health as we can.

To my mind the key questions are over:
-Rory Kav
-Big Neil
-Karl
-Paddy McGrath.

Also, the Boul Neil came off against Antrim but there;s been no real word about an injury as far as I know.

We need at least three of those four listed to be fit for the final.

Chris McNulty has a piece online today that addresses some of these questions but as Lacey played for Four Masters and scored 1-2 it seems he is fine. By all accounts, he would have played last weekend if it was felt he was needed. I thought he was struggling in the warm up but it seems that himself and MacNiallais actually collided and so that's why he looked pained.

Neil McGee has an ankle injury it seems.

Nidgeweasel

Redsoxfan wrote: »

Chris McNulty has a piece online today that addresses some of these questions but as Lacey played for Four Masters and scored 1-2 it seems he is fine. By all accounts, he would have played last weekend if it was felt he was needed. I thought he was struggling in the warm up but it seems that himself and MacNiallais actually collided and so that's why he looked pained.

Neil McGee has an ankle injury it seems.

Just read Chris McNulty's piece. Link here.

Largely positive. It would be a great lift to have a full compliment.

Nidgeweasel

An update after training on Tuesday/Thursday.

-McGrath expected back at the end of next week.
-Everyone else (Big Neil and Kav) getting there.

http://donegalnews.com/2014/07/jim-mcguinness-says-donegal-moving-well-as-paddy-mcgrath-fears-allayed/

Will be wincing waiting for news after the club fixtures.

harpsman

What is the deal with club fixtures?

Are county league matches progressing as normal?

Are county players involved in these matches-or just the ones coming back from a long lay off?

Alvin Holler

County players pretty much play all the club league games except the week before a championship game. Although if they have any sort of a knock they sit out.

Redsoxfan

So it's Monaghan who we will play for the Ulster Final in two weeks time.

Nidgeweasel

Didn't think I'd be that fussed but I am now.

McGeeney.Grimley. You've got off lightly boys.

Nidgeweasel

Just seen the highlights. (almost 2 hours later).

Funny enough I was talking about Lacey and his man marking in another thread a week or so ago, saying how I can't see a situation where we'd need him to drop back.

I do wonder though, would it be a possibility of putting Karl in at corner back and shutting down McManus. Neil had a poor game last year I don't think he's suited to marking him.

jethro081

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

Just seen the highlights. (almost 2 hours later).

Funny enough I was talking about Lacey and his man marking in another thread a week or so ago, saying how I can't see a situation where we'd need him to drop back.

I do wonder though, would it be a possibility of putting Karl in at corner back and shutting down McManus. Neil had a poor game last year I don't think he's suited to marking him.

mc manus is a hard man to shut down , but to be fair, he didn't do the bulk of the harm last year. Kieran Hughes was the main danger inside in last years final.

Nidgeweasel

jethro081 wrote: »

mc manus is a hard man to shut down , but to be fair, he didn't do the bulk of the harm last year. Kieran Hughes was the main danger inside in last years final.

I understand that, but I thought Neil struggled big time. Felt we got our match ups wrong from the off and the McGees should have been on opposite men anyway.

I'd bank on Lacey shutting down anyone fwiw. He hasn't really had to do it in a while and maybe he's lost a wee bit of that burst he had when he was younger which is only natural. Will have to wait and see. If we can get our two midfielders back and deal with him inside we've a really good shout.

Nidgeweasel

and on a totally unrelated note

Unconfirmed reports tonight that Donegal's Mark McHugh could be on his way home from NYC to tog out in Ulster final on July 20th.

From Sean Perry on twitter. I'm not commenting on this just going to highlight two words and use an emoticon.

Unconfirmed.Could :rolleyes:

agfasfos

Donegal were caught cold last year & were out of it 20 minutes into the game. I'm sure they were expecting Monaghan to make it through so preparation is the key. Cant let Monaghan run at them, frustrate them from the off be capable of taking scores from 30 metres out.

Redsoxfan

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

From Sean Perry on twitter. I'm not commenting on this just going to highlight two words and use an emoticon.

Unconfirmed.Could :rolleyes:

I hope Sean was messing because the 'source' for those 'unconfirmed reports' was a wbsite that shall not be named who very quickly claimed that they had been 'hacked by trolls'. (As if anyone could tell....)

If Sean was being serious when he tweeted that then he's a clown.

Nidgeweasel

Redsoxfan wrote: »

I hope Sean was messing because the 'source' for those 'unconfirmed reports' was a wbsite that shall not be named who very quickly claimed that they had been 'hacked by trolls'. (As if anyone could tell....)

If Sean was being serious when he tweeted that then he's a clown.

Any thoughts on the final? I'm flapping somewhat today.

Redsoxfan

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

Any thoughts on the final? I'm flapping somewhat today.

Oh you bet, I am gathering them together since last night.

All I'll say for now is that Monaghan's display seemed pretty impressive yesterday - 1-11 from play as far as I can tell. And, Kieran Hughes had to be subbed at half time. Now, if he's not fit for the Final, great, but it's impressive that they can manage without him. Of course McManus looks very fit again.

But, let's not forget that Armagh are not necessarily that good.

I would say it's going to be a humdinger on 20 July. Not a game that any 'football purist' will like, but it will likely be a damn sight more competitive than any other provincial final in 2014.

overshoot

didnt really expect much from Armagh in this years championship so hopefully that is the case & monaghan's score isnt that impressive.

going to be a massive tactical battle & physical contest for good with 2 of the most astute managers around. Already imagining the backlash about ulster football from down the county but to be honest i dont think the intensity ever comes across fully on tv.

Whatever about the first two games, there will be no doubting what level we are at after this one!

Nidgeweasel

I'm desperate for another one. My head hurts. Reminds me of 2011, consumed with the thought of it for about 3 weeks.

Just have to believe in Jim. But I would be surprised if this one doesn't go right to the wire.

harpsman

Well based on form over the last 12 months Monaghan have to be strong favourites.

Even if we leave out last year and this years league final, I still think they looked more impressive in the championship than we did. They look to have a much more fluent attack than us and have beaten better teams.

However, McGuinness' teams have usually been able to improve with each game to meet tougher challenges and I hope the same is the case Sunday week. Also, we dont lack motivation. Having said that if I was having a bet it would be on Monaghan.

sob1467

The new Celtic manager Ronny Delia, is going to give McGuinness a new role with the first team squad. I wish McGuinness all the best and am delighted to see him doing well over there, but this probably adds more doubt as to whether he will continue on when his Donegal contract is up.

Ronny Deila will bring Jim McGuinness in to work with the Celtic first team squad.

The Donegal coach is one of the best known sportsmen in Ireland but has kept a low profile since his appointment at Celtic two years ago.

McGuinness has manly been working with players outwith the first team circle but Deila is anxious to use every advantage possible to give his side an edge.

John Collins and John Kennedy have been brought in to assist the Norwegian with the new hoops boss having big plans to expand his backroom team.

“We already have a sports psychologist in Jim McGuinnes, so I want to bring him in even more,” Deila explained. “All my staff’s knowledge is going to be used, I can’t do it all.

“Of course, I learn a lot because I hire fantastic people around me but I want all my staff to be a specialist in something and then you need to be even better.

“I want the best scientists in the world. They have to have experience and learn but I also have to go out to seek new knowledge, look at what’s happening on the internet, go away on trips to see what the best are doing because then I will bring it back. In the end we will grow as a staff in our knowledge and the players will adapt.

“I’m very curious. Someone asked me if I have a lot of energy on the pitch but I get energy from learning and I think. I’m going to try to be a very good role model.”

http://videocelts.com/2014/07/blogs/latest-news/deila-gives-top-team-role-to-mcguinness

agfasfos

sob1467 wrote: »

The new Celtic manager Ronny Delia, is going to give McGuinness a new role with the first team squad. I wish McGuinness all the best and am delighted to see him doing well over there, but this probably adds more doubt as to whether he will continue on when his Donegal contract is up.





http://videocelts.com/2014/07/blogs/latest-news/deila-gives-top-team-role-to-mcguinness

Cant see him at the helm in Donegal next year. Has done a fantastic job with the team & hard to see who will replace him, he was driven with tremendous passion for Donegal & its people.

Nidgeweasel

agfasfos wrote: »

Cant see him at the helm in Donegal next year. Has done a fantastic job with the team & hard to see who will replace him, he was driven with tremendous passion for Donegal & its people.

He said 4 years and this is the 4th year.

Can we park this talk until after the Championship.:(

agfasfos

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

He said 4 years and this is the 4th year.

Can we park this talk until after the Championship.:(

A good idea, hopefully there's a lot of football to be played before that decision has to be made.

Nidgeweasel

Lacey on McManus or not.

I find myself asking this several times a day.

Beagslife

It looks like Brolly has rekindled his faith in Jim!

Brolly GaelicLife Article

Nidgeweasel

Beagslife wrote: »

It looks like Brolly has rekindled his faith in Jim!

Brolly GaelicLife Article

Argha, I like Joe, but weren't our tactics outdated a few months ago!?

Alvin Holler

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

Lacey on McManus or not.

I find myself asking this several times a day.

Nah, thought McGee did okay in the league final considering we were overrun for a large part of the game. McGrath might be an option as well.

harpsman

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

Argha, I like Joe, but weren't our tactics outdated a few months ago!?

And the players hated playin for McGuinness!!

Redsoxfan

Right so, by this time week hopefully we'll be Ulster Champions again. It's a massive proposition but I think we're up to it. Seems a long time seems the Antrim game now.

LilNiall

Season tickets in Pat McGrane stand this year again. Bollox.

agfasfos

Got my Season Ticket, Pat McGrane Stand, not good I take judging by previous post ?, is it behind the goals, on the sideline. Last years seat, not in the stand was ok.

Redsoxfan

agfasfos wrote: »

Got my Season Ticket, Pat McGrane Stand, not good I take judging by previous post ?, is it behind the goals, on the sideline. Last years seat, not in the stand was ok.

The Pat McGrane is the uncovered stand below The Hill.

I'm in Row W this year. Can't recall what row I was in last year, but W might be ok (i.e. further away from the pitch).

agfasfos

Row W here too, just hope the result goes the right way, dont want a repeat of last years debacle.:)

SM746

Row W too. I'll sit in the car and listen to it if it meant the minors and seniors get the results; anything to avoid a repeat of last year.

agfasfos

Looks like the Season Tickets are Row W.

Nidgeweasel

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2965367

Looks like rain Ted. Best bring a Brolly, and not the Derry one. Last year was supposed to be a scorcher but it didn't really materialise did it?

Redsoxfan

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

Best bring a Brolly, and not the Derry one.

And you'll be told to take it down!

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

Last year was supposed to be a scorcher but it didn't really materialise did it?

Not sure if serious....

Nidgeweasel

Redsoxfan wrote: »

And you'll be told to take it down!




Not sure if serious....

I remember the 'bring sunscreen' warnings and the GAA having sunscreen at the ground but I thought it ended up being disappointing. No?

I genuinely can't remember! I could have sworn I was annoyed at it, expecting to be out in the shorts.

harpsman

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

I remember the 'bring sunscreen' warnings and the GAA having sunscreen at the ground but I thought it ended up being disappointing. No?

I genuinely can't remember! I could have sworn I was annoyed at it, expecting to be out in the shorts.

Eh was high 20s. Very hot. Reminded me of 89 and 92 hot days in Clones.
TBH I think rain suits us more than Monaghan.

harpsman

agfasfos wrote: »

Looks like the Season Tickets are Row W.

Think thats where we were l/y alright-was a sickener. Didnt see it coming, saw us possibly losing to Tyrone or Down but didnt think Monaghan had much based on championship form over a couple of years. Remember a friend before the game saying twas just a formality-even at the time I didnt like hearing that.
Year before think i just bought 2 Gerry Aurthurs tkts on day-think was in uncovered part. Presume bigger crowd this year and that wont be possible. Planning on buying hill ticket on day. Surprisingly Dublin game is 2pm as a curtain raiser for ours!!
Anyway as I said earlier, not confident but would love another Ulster for Jim and the boys if it is his last year. First one of our Ulster finals goin in as underdogs with revenge as motivation to boot. This is a BIG ONE.

Nidgeweasel

harpsman wrote: »

Eh was high 20s. Very hot. Reminded me of 89 and 92 hot days in Clones.
TBH I think rain suits us more than Monaghan.

Jesus. I've usually got a decent memory too!

Redsoxfan

Last year was a scorcher. I was in shorts, wearing a Cleveland Browns hat and interviewed by Thomas Kane for the BBC. Thankfully I didn't make any stupid predictions - I mentioned that Monaghan would have been given a boost by winning the Minor Final. A fellow Boardsie was beside me in shades....it was hot.

So, seems some money has been going on Monaghan. I took a screenshot of the odds last week and we were both evens. Tonight, Monaghan are 10/11 and we are 11/10. I heard this evening on the radio Kieran Hughes will be fit, but still no Lennon, which is no surprise. All our lads are meant to be training, but who knows. The word is that Lacey and Kavanagh would have played against Antrim had it been Monaghan we were playing. Big Neil too seemed to remove himself very quickly which looks to me like they were playing it safe. Since then we've heard that there are issues with Neil McGee, Paddy McGrath, Jigger and MacNiallais, but it's hard to know how serious any of these are to be honest. It seems pointless speculating after the surprises we saw in the starting line ups against Derry and Antrim.

If everyone is fit, the defence picks itself. I still have Big Neil and Rory as our first choice midfield with McElhinney as an impact sub. Based on what I've seen so far, Leo and Christy should start at half forward. Third spot is between Ryan McHugh and MacNiallais. MacNiallais seems to me more of a scoring threat and gives us another option around midfield, but I love the way Ryan is on the ball so much and works so hard. Tough call.

Full forward line - Michael and Colm of course - even if Colm's form has been worrying me. He has still earned the right to start. In the other corner, I think it's time for a change and Jigger should start ahead of Paddy. But, I wouldn't be surprised to see Paddy get the nod - since he made his debut as a sub against Antrim in 2011 he has started every Championship game except for the All Ireland Semi Final in 2011 and even though he seems short of confidence, dropping him may not doing anything to help him. Still, I'd like to think he is on a short leash - we can't afford any passengers on Sunday.

It's a very tough one to call. I'm not confident, but I'm certainly not writing us off. Look at the way both Tyrone and Armagh came back against Monaghan - I think that gives us a chance as long as we don't let them get off to a fast start. Their intensity in defence is very impressive, but I know we can match them in this regard. We've been winning without getting much scoring from Michael and Colm, and they both had miserable games last year. I am looking for big games from both of them on Sunday, as well as another vintage performance from Christy and Leo continuing his strong play.

Unless there are injuries and issues we are not aware of, I think we'll be well prepared. It should be an epic battle, and I don't care what kind of game it is as long as we win. I'm not looking past Sunday (I haven't done so all year) and all I care about right now is regaining the Ulster title.

I think we will.

agfasfos

Redsoxfan wrote: »

Last year was a scorcher. I was in shorts, wearing a Cleveland Browns hat and interviewed by Thomas Kane for the BBC. Thankfully I didn't make any stupid predictions - I mentioned that Monaghan would have been given a boost by winning the Minor Final. A fellow Boardsie was beside me in shades....it was hot.

So, seems some money has been going on Monaghan. I took a screenshot of the odds last week and we were both evens. Tonight, Monaghan are 10/11 and we are 11/10. I heard this evening on the radio Kieran Hughes will be fit, but still no Lennon, which is no surprise. All our lads are meant to be training, but who knows. The word is that Lacey and Kavanagh would have played against Antrim had it been Monaghan we were playing. Big Neil too seemed to remove himself very quickly which looks to me like they were playing it safe. Since then we've heard that there are issues with Neil McGee, Paddy McGrath, Jigger and MacNiallais, but it's hard to know how serious any of these are to be honest. It seems pointless speculating after the surprises we saw in the starting line ups against Derry and Antrim.

If everyone is fit, the defence picks itself. I still have Big Neil and Rory as our first choice midfield with McElhinney as an impact sub. Based on what I've seen so far, Leo and Christy should start at half forward. Third spot is between Ryan McHugh and MacNiallais. MacNiallais seems to me more of a scoring threat and gives us another option around midfield, but I love the way Ryan is on the ball so much and works so hard. Tough call.

Full forward line - Michael and Colm of course - even if Colm's form has been worrying me. He has still earned the right to start. In the other corner, I think it's time for a change and Jigger should start ahead of Paddy. But, I wouldn't be surprised to see Paddy get the nod - since he made his debut as a sub against Antrim in 2011 he has started every Championship game except for the All Ireland Semi Final in 2011 and even though he seems short of confidence, dropping him may not doing anything to help him. Still, I'd like to think he is on a short leash - we can't afford any passengers on Sunday.

It's a very tough one to call. I'm not confident, but I'm certainly not writing us off. Look at the way both Tyrone and Armagh came back against Monaghan - I think that gives us a chance as long as we don't let them get off to a fast start. Their intensity in defence is very impressive, but I know we can match them in this regard. We've been winning without getting much scoring from Michael and Colm, and they both had miserable games last year. I am looking for big games from both of them on Sunday, as well as another vintage performance from Christy and Leo continuing his strong play.

Unless there are injuries and issues we are not aware of, I think we'll be well prepared. It should be an epic battle, and I don't care what kind of game it is as long as we win. I'm not looking past Sunday (I haven't done so all year) and all I care about right now is regaining the Ulster title.

I think we will.

Thats a very good analysis of what could lie ahead on Sunday. I think it's very important that we dont end up chasing the game. If we can stay with them for the opening 20 minutes or so we have a great chance. Last year they had 4 points on the board in no time & we were never in it after that. The league final wasn't much better & that's what worries me. Monaghan know they can beat us but it's up to our lads to up their game, play to the level they are capable of & be able to pick off long range points. Jigger could be vital on Sunday, Monaghan won't like him running at them & could give a away a few frees .

harpsman

agfasfos wrote: »

Thats a very good analysis of what could lie ahead on Sunday. I think it's very important that we dont end up chasing the game. If we can stay with them for the opening 20 minutes or so we have a great chance. Last year they had 4 points on the board in no time & we were never in it after that. The league final wasn't much better & that's what worries me. Monaghan know they can beat us but it's up to our lads to up their game, play to the level they are capable of & be able to pick off long range points. Jigger could be vital on Sunday, Monaghan won't like him running at them & could give a away a few frees .

Maybe jigger could bring something different to our attack, which we might need. Im sure he ll get some attention from the Monaghan boys. Id definately start w big Neil and give him maybe 50 minutes.

Redsoxfan

agfasfos wrote: »

Thats a very good analysis of what could lie ahead on Sunday.

Cheers!

agfasfos wrote: »

Last year they had 4 points on the board in no time & we were never in it after that. The league final wasn't much better & that's what worries me.

I would tend to disregard our performance in both those games, as I would also ignore the result from Letterkenny earlier this year. Think of our potential - what we know we are capable of producing rather than how we played in those games. We were not ourselves in the Ulster Final last year or the Division Two Final this year. Now, even if we do play to our potential, Monaghan might still beat us - maybe they are just better than us. But I'm not going to say that until after Sunday.

Monaghan don't fear us, that's for sure. It's been that way for a while now.

Nidgeweasel

Redsoxfan wrote: »

Last year was a scorcher. I was in shorts, wearing a Cleveland Browns hat and interviewed by Thomas Kane for the BBC. Thankfully I didn't make any stupid predictions - I mentioned that Monaghan would have been given a boost by winning the Minor Final. A fellow Boardsie was beside me in shades....it was hot.

So, seems some money has been going on Monaghan. I took a screenshot of the odds last week and we were both evens. Tonight, Monaghan are 10/11 and we are 11/10. I heard this evening on the radio Kieran Hughes will be fit, but still no Lennon, which is no surprise. All our lads are meant to be training, but who knows. The word is that Lacey and Kavanagh would have played against Antrim had it been Monaghan we were playing. Big Neil too seemed to remove himself very quickly which looks to me like they were playing it safe. Since then we've heard that there are issues with Neil McGee, Paddy McGrath, Jigger and MacNiallais, but it's hard to know how serious any of these are to be honest. It seems pointless speculating after the surprises we saw in the starting line ups against Derry and Antrim.

If everyone is fit, the defence picks itself. I still have Big Neil and Rory as our first choice midfield with McElhinney as an impact sub. Based on what I've seen so far, Leo and Christy should start at half forward. Third spot is between Ryan McHugh and MacNiallais. MacNiallais seems to me more of a scoring threat and gives us another option around midfield, but I love the way Ryan is on the ball so much and works so hard. Tough call.

Full forward line - Michael and Colm of course - even if Colm's form has been worrying me. He has still earned the right to start. In the other corner, I think it's time for a change and Jigger should start ahead of Paddy. But, I wouldn't be surprised to see Paddy get the nod - since he made his debut as a sub against Antrim in 2011 he has started every Championship game except for the All Ireland Semi Final in 2011 and even though he seems short of confidence, dropping him may not doing anything to help him. Still, I'd like to think he is on a short leash - we can't afford any passengers on Sunday.

It's a very tough one to call. I'm not confident, but I'm certainly not writing us off. Look at the way both Tyrone and Armagh came back against Monaghan - I think that gives us a chance as long as we don't let them get off to a fast start. Their intensity in defence is very impressive, but I know we can match them in this regard. We've been winning without getting much scoring from Michael and Colm, and they both had miserable games last year. I am looking for big games from both of them on Sunday, as well as another vintage performance from Christy and Leo continuing his strong play.

Unless there are injuries and issues we are not aware of, I think we'll be well prepared. It should be an epic battle, and I don't care what kind of game it is as long as we win. I'm not looking past Sunday (I haven't done so all year) and all I care about right now is regaining the Ulster title.

I think we will.

I've got high ould demands for our heatwaves. Probably in a huff because it got dull!


Back 7 picks itself (Including Pappa). Where does Karl play is an issue. You have to think that Jim will have something in the pipeline for McManus.

Rory Kav and Big Neil in the middle all things being equal. Then we have some competition in both the forward lines which is a pleasant change.

Funny, on the topic of half forward I think it's between Christy and MacNiallas. Unless there's movement in the backs (Lacey to 2, McGrath not fit) then Leo plays at 11. McHugh's experience from last year and work rate are key for me and I think he'll play. Then it's between Christy and MacNiallas really for the other spot imo. Tough, tough call.

Inside it's Murphy and Colm Anthony. The debate is Jigger v McBrearty. I'd drop Paddy myself. He hasn't done it this year and I think not starting might actually do him the power of good. This isn't one of those "you're dropped, go away" ones either it's "sit this out and then you will be coming on with 20 minutes to go to win this for us". He'd be a major threat coming on at that stage of the game. Of course the other option is MacNiallas and pull him out around the middle but that's unlikely.

It's going to be a battle. That's for certain. We've got the better team, they have a set up which can easily beat us again. Just have to hope that the fact we're coming into this in a better condition stands to us.

Redsoxfan

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

I've got high ould demands for our heatwaves. Probably in a huff because it got dull!

Are you Jimmy from Senegal?

Nidgeweasel

Redsoxfan wrote: »

Are you Jimmy from Senegal?

A dulux chart comparison would be closer to Francie Bellew than the bould Jimmy!

Ceist_Beag

Am not quite as confident going into Sunday as I was this time last year ... but that's probably a good thing given how last year went!

Agree with the selections proposed by Rsf and Nw. Personally I think Jim will probably go with Christy in place of Odhran with the view of switching them at half time (as he has done with Christy so far this season) and he tends to stick with the same full forward line so I expect Paddy to start even though personally I would prefer to see Jigger given a go.
My main concern for Sunday is that most teams see to have figured out that our full forward line can be handled by putting an extra man back there. The front 3 haven't performed in a long time now and whilst I remain optimistic, I don't see us getting a big score from them. Our new scoring threat is coming much more from the half forwards than the full forward line which is a big change from 2012.
As others have said, I think if we can stay with Monaghan in the first half then we have a real chance. If we can keep their full forward line as quiet as they keep ours then I think we have much more scoring threat in other areas than Monaghan. The one big difference I think between this year and last (apart from the fact Monaghan are now warm favourites) is that we will have options off the bench on Sunday - this could be crucial.

Ceist_Beag

Looks like another scorcher this year going by the latest forecast for Sunday - hopefully that's the only thing in common with last year!

Nidgeweasel

Ceist_Beag wrote: »

Looks like another scorcher this year going by the latest forecast for Sunday -!

Don't be getting my hopes up!