Donegal GAA Discussion Thread

Fr Tod Umptious

SM746 wrote: »

How would you rate him Tod?

Cannot see it happening under any circumstances. Dont know how I would feel if it did.

He would do OK.
The "professional" structure seem to be in place in Donegal so he would be starting from a relatively strong base.
A bit like Mayo the squad needs a bit of refreshing I belive.

But the big question would be about his ability to make the right calls on the big days.

To be honest if he won an AI with Donegal before Mayo won their next one I'd be fit to kill him.

overshoot

Alan Foley tweeting that Neil Gallagher will still be available for Donegal next year. With McNiallais emerging, McElhinney stepping up well this year it certainly good news and means we will still have some depth there next year. Certainly a good boost

SM746

overshoot wrote: »

Alan Foley tweeting that Neil Gallagher will still be available for Donegal next year. With McNiallais emerging, McElhinney stepping up well this year it certainly good news and means we will still have some depth there next year. Certainly a good boost

Seen Gallaghers tweet earlier! Brilliant news.
Draw is this Thursday at 7pm so that will be fun.

2moreMinutes

intellectual dosser wrote: »

If James Horan gets appointed it'll be written in the stars that we reach an All Ireland final....where we'll play Mayo.

It would be the Never Ending Story revisited if a James Horan managed team met Mayo in an AI final. GAA would love the replay after replay after replay with neither party capable of seeing it through.

Nidgeweasel

I'd sooner Maxi than Horan which says it all.

He bores the arse of me.

Timmyctc

What do you think will happen to 'the system' if someone like Horan were to take over? Would it be ripped apart and the team be thrust into a transitional period during the league.

Because tbh I'm still enjoying saying "THE SYSTEM WILL NEVER BE BROKEN" Before each game.

BonnieSituation

intellectual dosser wrote: »

If James Horan gets appointed it'll be written in the stars that we reach an All Ireland final....where we'll play Mayo.

Well... there's every chance in 2015...

Leinster v Connnacht
Munster v Ulster

All set up for a Donegal v Kerry revenge mission and of course the thing where Mayo show up to beat Dublin in a SF only to shoot their load on the big day.

And then Mayo to wait for the 65th year as Odhran Mac Niallais runs riot with the rejuvenated Christy Toye and a freed up Michael Murphy...

LilNiall

I really hope Rory Gallagher gets the job. Key we get this decision right and the good work to date is not undone.

Good news about Big Neil staying. Think I've heard McGlynn and Neil McGee will stay on also.

Nidgeweasel

I enjoyed Eamonn McGee's comments on whether he would stay on.

It’s not a decision that will be made today or tomorrow. I’ll just sit and see what the craic is.”

Donegal that.

harpsman

LilNiall wrote: »

I really hope Rory Gallagher gets the job. Key we get this decision right and the good work to date is not undone.

Good news about Big Neil staying. Think I've heard McGlynn and Neil McGee will stay on also.

Well McGlynn and Neil McGee are in their 20s so Id expect them to stay-jeez we d be in real trouble if 28 year olds started retiring.

The guys in question would be

Eamon McGee
Neil Gallagher
Rory Kavanagh
Christy Toye
Colm McFadden

Good news anout big Neil, Id expect Rory to go another year too. Not sure about Eamon and particularly Christy. Id expect Colm to call it a day, given how poor he was this year, even when he did get shooting opportunities against Dublin he just wasnt able to kick points.

Id agree that Gallagher seems like a pretty good candidate for the job-seems well respected by the players, been part of the setup before and is managing a good club side-be nice to see him win a county title to burnish his cv a bit.

LilNiall

harpsman wrote: »

Well McGlynn and Neil McGee are in their 20s so Id expect them to stay-jeez we d be in real trouble if 28 year olds started retiring.

The guys in question would be

Eamon McGee
Neil Gallagher
Rory Kavanagh
Christy Toye
Colm McFadden

Good news anout big Neil, Id expect Rory to go another year too. Not sure about Eamon and particularly Christy. Id expect Colm to call it a day, given how poor he was this year, even when he did get shooting opportunities against Dublin he just wasnt able to kick points.

Id agree that Gallagher seems like a pretty good candidate for the job-seems well respected by the players, been part of the setup before and is managing a good club side-be nice to see him win a county title to burnish his cv a bit.

Think Lacey and Papa are question marks too. New man in ASAP to get talking to any with doubts I hope.

harpsman

LilNiall wrote: »

Think Lacey and Papa are question marks too. New man in ASAP to get talking to any with doubts I hope.

Thats true,again not necessarily that old-Karls just 30 and 32s not old for a goalie,but Karl in Limerick, just had a baby and struggling w injuries and fitness and Papa in Dublin they might decide nows a good time to bow out.

Id say t might be an idea for Karl to sit out the first 5/6 league games and just work on his own fitness, if he does decide to stay on.

Would be great if they all agreed to give the new man 1 year anyway- who knows how far they could go next year??

charlie14

Can you just imagine Horan`s first meeting with a team who are looking at him, saying in their heads, this is a manager that blew it tacticaly
against us in a AI fnal in 2012, and now he is coming in and will lead us to another AI success?
Imo,cannot see that working.

Glenman

Horan has a full time job in Ballina, can't see him travelling to Donegal for football.

Ceist_Beag

harpsman wrote: »

Id agree that Gallagher seems like a pretty good candidate for the job-seems well respected by the players, been part of the setup before and is managing a good club side-be nice to see him win a county title to burnish his cv a bit.

That seems to be a long shot for this year after the weekends results doesn't it! Unless St Michaels do them a favour it's hard to see Kilcar getting out of the group now.

Glenman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmHHWtdxj_E

Ceist_Beag

Great to see big Neil staying on, hopefully it will encourage others to do likewise.

Nidgeweasel

The thing is though there is nobody who needs to go. They can all contribute going forward just perhaps in a reduced capacity. The question is whether they can commit. And it's only really Rory Kav is say.

No question of Papa leaving for me.

I would rather Karl gets a really long break. Nearly a shame that we are in division one you know.

Nidgeweasel

Statement of the departure of Jim Mc Guinness from the county board.

It’s no secret that when Jim Mc Guinness was selected as the Donegal Senior Football Team Manager in July 2010, we were at one of our lowest ebbs ever in our history. What has been achieved in the past four years can only be described as remarkable.

When Jim informed us on Friday night of his decision not to continue as Senor Football Team Manager, it was one of shock initially but over the past two days there has been a realisation that it shouldn’t have been a total surprise. Jim has given 5 years of total commitment and dedication to Donegal football including his very successful year with the Under 21’s. Jim is a special talent with a particular rare gift in inspiring those around him.

Not alone did he inspire a special group of players to 3 x Ulster Senior Football Championship titles and our 2nd All-Ireland title in the space of 4 years, he also inspired the people of the county to believe that they can achieve anything they wanted with the right application to the task and hard work. Two example of this that are widely accepted is that he has inspired people to get back into Education and also has had a very positive effect on people with Mental Health issues.

One quote that I saw in recent days that has stuck with me is “Jim won many matches but he also won the hearts and minds of the people of Donegal”. While Jim is always quick to point out it was the players who won the matches, we must acknowledge that it was Jim who created the environment for those players to prepare meticulously and then deliver on their potential in the way they have done so in the past 4 years.

He has left a tremendous legacy though in many ways:

1. He has created an interest in Gaelic Football and the GAA in general in people in this county that never previously had an interest.

2. He left the people of the county with so many great memories.

3. He re-instilled a great pride in the Donegal people at home and abroad.

4. He has inspired the next few generations of players, both boys and girls.

5. He has created the template and approach that the players of the future know that they must aspire to if they want to be successful and maximise their potential.

6. He has been the most successful manager in our history.

7. We will reap the benefits of the seeds Jim has sown for many years to come.

The overwhelming sentiment of recent days has been of gratitude to Jim. There has been an avalanche of thanks for the memories and the enjoyment. We respect what has been a difficult decision for Jim and we wish him, Yvonne and their family good health and success in the future. I have no doubt that Jim will have a major contribution to make to Gaelic Football in the county again at some point in the future. This is the closing of a chapter in our history but there is still so much to be positive about.

1. We have a tremendous panel of Senior players at the moment who I have no doubt will reapply themselves again under the next Manager.

2. We have superb potential at Under 21, Minor and Development Squad level.

3. We have a fantastic Captain and Leader in Michael Murphy.

So on behalf of every underage and adult member of the GAA here in the county, every Donegal supporter in Ireland and across the globe, Jim I thank you for your massive contribution and commitment to your county over the past 5 years.

BonnieSituation

Fair dues to the CB. It is remarkable the change that has occurred though. Never in the wildest dreams of the most in denial DL man would you have ever thought what has come to pass since 2010 would have happened.

Nidgeweasel

Horan reportedly ruled himself out to the Irish News.


Good news.

BonnieSituation

What are the thoughts on Martin McHugh?

His name keeps popping up all over the shop.

Nidgeweasel

BonnieSituation wrote: »

What are the thoughts on Martin McHugh?

His name keeps popping up all over the shop.

Self serving.

He should have been given he job in the 90's when he would have done well. Could have had it in the 00's but distanced himself.

Don't want him near it personally with the greatest respect to what he has achieved as a player for the county and as a manager with Cavan and Sligo IT.

However, if Rory Gallagher does get the job I would be shocked if McHugh wasn't involved somewhere.

Ceist_Beag

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

Horan reportedly ruled himself out to the Irish News.


Good news.

More easy money for bookies!

BonnieSituation wrote: »

What are the thoughts on Martin McHugh?

His name keeps popping up all over the shop.

Not for me. Obviously an absolute legend as a player and a decent pundit but he turned it down before as he didn't have the time so I don't see anything that would have changed that. We want someone who will put as much into the job as Jim did.

BonnieSituation

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

Self serving.

He should have been given he job in the 90's when he would have done well. Could have had it in the 00's but distanced himself.

As I thought.
It wasn't a good job then. As it stands it's the most attractive available job in the country.

Personally I like Martin, especially as a pundit. But his day has been and gone.

Ceist_Beag wrote: »

More easy money for bookies!

Darwinian.

Some eejits throwing money on him. There's no need for them to have cash.

Not for me. Obviously an absolute legend as a player and a decent pundit but he turned it down before as he didn't have the time so I don't see anything that would have changed that. We want someone who will put as much into the job as Jim did.

The biggest risk that exists is looking for another Jim. He was a one-off.

Someone from within the previous team would be best in that regard I would think to keep the continuation.

Nidgeweasel

BonnieSituation wrote: »

The biggest risk that exists is looking for another Jim. He was a one-off.

Someone from within the previous team would be best in that regard I would think to keep the continuation.

Absolutely. We will never have anyone as good as him again. Unless he comes back.

I think Rory Gallagher would be a safe option but there isn't that many top options out there. We should really be looking to push on now and try and cement our position in Ulster for another 2/3 years.

Although I am worried about the age profile of the squad. There is a big transition period which isn't that far away.

Ceist_Beag

Ceist_Beag wrote: »

One special mention tho to Neil McGee, what a player this lad is. I'm open to correction but I believe he only conceded 0-4 to his opponents in all games in the championship this year - and considering that list included Conor McManus, Jamie Clarke, Bernard Brogan and James O'Donghue that's quite phenomenal. Add in his own two points from play at the other end and I really think he should be in the running for player of the year. I know a full back is never going to win this but I think he deserves recognition for what he has done this year.

Delighted to see Neil is shortlisted in the three players in the running for Player of the Year, fully deserved and a great recognition of his year.
Also two in for young player of the year in Ryan and Paddy - a bit surprised Paddy made it given he didn't start many games but fair play to them both. 9 nominated for team of the year. No big surprises other than Murphy is in the half forward line so looks like they are making room for Donaghy at full forward which is disappointing tbh - I much prefer to see players nominated in their proper position and Murphy is an infinitely better candidate than Donaghy at full forward imho.
Full list of nominations here

Nidgeweasel

POTY is geared towards forwards and players as glamorous as Kerry forwards- they have that je ne sais quoi about them.

JOD has been superb this year and has lit up the championship so you can't look past him for it.

But the boul Neil has been absolutely exceptional and for me there is no question that he is the best defender in the country right now. I'd love to see one of ours win it and he's deserve it you know but it'll be JOD.

Nidgeweasel

Karl deserved a nomination fwiw.

harpsman

Ceist_Beag wrote: »

That seems to be a long shot for this year after the weekends results doesn't it! Unless St Michaels do them a favour it's hard to see Kilcar getting out of the group now.

I would have thought there was a decent chance of Mickeys takin out Glenswilly-m sure theyd be happy enough to have em gone-agree that Klcar probably outsiders even if they were to get through.