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.