Donegal GAA Discussion Thread

The upside is that we need a new minor manager.

Fergus is strutting around the place like a dog with two mickeys. He can't believe his luck knowing that this appointment papers over a lot of the cracks.

hahaha at least he won't be running around the field like a 16th player, delivering instructions like Maxi was. Even I was getting frustrated by that! Jim is probably trying to prime him to eventually take over.

He's obviously ambitious when it comes to putting in the hours at county level, but may lack natural talent and a successful playing background, with the latter not being a pre-requisite. We are struggling in comparison to Kerry or Tyrone who've lads with all-ireland medals largely guiding the underage teams. We have one or two from the 2012 team involved at underage, and it would do no harm if a few more followed their example, or lads from the '92 squad.

I have a feeling we havn't heard the last of Maxi. He probably fancies himself as Donegal's answer to Paddy Tally at this point.

Let's not ruin the McGuinness buzz just yet lads

Cluiche grána inniu, críoch grána - was it meaningful in the championship?

Seeing Jim watch club games seemingly alone made me wonder if he can replicate the level of previous success without a serious sidekick, which came in the form of the Fermanagh man in the beginning of his last stint. As much as the character of Gallagher always irked me, it is difficult to ignore from some reports of his forensic knowledge of opposition players and their weaknesses, and his success with the Oakleafers that he did bring something substantial to the 2012 success. There's no doubt that more names will be added to the backroom team between now and when collective training resumes, but I would feel more confident in knowing that there's another qualified maniac in which Jim can use as a sounding board as well as to recruit the necessary personnel and plot the takedowns of the top teams in the country.

Did we dodge a bullet in Kavanagh?

Anyone mad enough to bet against the favourites?

Absolutely. Gaoth Dobhair could nick it if they manage to find a way to get goals past that iron defense. A great blend of youth and veterans on both side. Hopefully it'll be a cracker.

Never let the avatar fool you.

At least we skipped the preliminary round. Any word where the squad are headed on the training camp? It feels a bit odd that Jim hasn't engaged with the media yet. A real sense of us coming in under the radar here, despite some outside hype.

Hopefully knock out stages are seeded next year. Granted, Naomh Conaill have little competition in Donegal these days anyway but that game today was a non-event.

Would like to see Ethan O'Donnell get more of a chance next year, if he is interested.

Naomh Conaill are nearly as well organised as a county team in terms of preparation. The next step for them now is to push on in Ulster but there are good teams in their way. They are playing the Cavan champions first out.

McGuinness should have plenty of new talent lined up for his initial squad. Priority will be to finish well up in Div2 to ensure they are in the Sam Maguire competition.

With that tough draw in Ulster you'd nearly be better off losing in the first round and concentrate on the Sam Maguire competition but they won't be doing that. A few tough games in Ulster will help the team improve.

Was at the Glenswilly v St Eunans U21 game on Saturday. Good to see that it still possible for both teams to play a bit of football. Dunleavy for Glenswilly and Moore for St Eunans stood out (as you would expect), hopefully get to see them get a bit of game time in Division 2 in 2024. Glenswilly the better team and deserved to win but fortunate to get the 2 points in the end.

Why did Dunnion drop out? He seems to be popular enough.

Mark mchugh has a post on his linked in/ answering the call from Donegal, etc. no idea if he’s been full on drafted. He was key in 2012 but it’s a long time ago!

Shots fired by Fergus McGee. Wasn't expecting that.

Good

Essentially the same group of players. Something has to change.

I see it's on Ulster GAA and GAA Go.