Donegal GAA Discussion Thread

Nothing to stop Armagh using their U 20 team. We have done the same in the past. 2013 but that was when the seniors were on holidays in Dubai afair, but the Armagh decision seems a bit strange as it is rumoured the did it because they had a challenge game arranged.

I wondered about thay myself or even how the Ulster Council even became aware of it. I doubt if it was from Armagh who do not seem to have much interest in the McKenna Cup, but if it was then a bit crass as they sent an U20 team to Ballybofey. For me the most likely answer is Mc Guinness himself who seemed to go out of his way to highlighted the lad had not yet played senior club. A "them all against us" can be a very useful edge at times. It did us no harm in 2012 after all the abuse we took in 2011. That said, and while I`m no fan of appealing when you are in the wrong, the very same Ulster Council highlighted that we would be foolish not to when after the league dust up with Armagh we held up our hand and took our punishment while Armagh appealed and walked away scot free. Not that it did them much good in the subsequent championship game, but then a bit of "them all against us" helped our cause on that accassion.

The problem of physicality has been there for some time, and not to disparage two fine footballers, but our two wing backs McHugh and Mogan are not the most physically intimidating of players. In a final group stage game against Mayo in Castlebar Mayo targeted McHugh`s position at wing back and made hay. Two years ago in the Ulster Semi Cavan did the same and although we beat them (lucky enough to do so imo) they still got a lot of joy from the tactic. Ulster Final Derry did it and it again caused us serious problems. But then McGuinness is tactically astute so hopefully we will not see a recurrence. Delighted with the young lads. A good attitude and willingness as well as no lacking of talent which can only strengthen the squad.

Haha.."Nobody getting carrier away...". No knowledgeable people getting carrier away but if you were to ask the buck on the street, they'd tell you Sam is coming home. Still, great to see the energy and excitement about the place.

Thought Cork were very poor yesterday. That type of performance is worthy of relegation. I don't think the wind had as big a factor as they (Cork management) are making out. Simple fact is, they had no intensity or drive. For some of our long range points there wasn't a Cork player within 5 metres of our guys.

Not a big fan of the sweeper keeper. When it goers bad, it generally goes horribly wrong as demonstrated yesterday and in Kerry. It's fine if you have a keeper that's used to playing out field but neither Patton nor Mulreany inspire confidence in this aspect.

I didn't notice McGee nor Langan with the squad yesterday. Any truth to the rumour they fell foul off disciplinary measures?

I would put a collar on both Patton and Mulreany that would give both an electric shock if they either set a foot outside the 20 metre line.

The Cork management mentioning the wind as being a factor was them trying to make the best of a bad performance. It micht have died down for the second half but even playing against it we outscored them 1-08 to 1-03.

Typical Ulster contest …Cavan we’re certainly paying extra attention to Ryan & Oisin …Good to see Stephen Mc Menamin back we need him in these physical battles … Cavan dominated us at midfield particularly on their own kick out, while Patton’s kicking was excellent always finding his man.Ryan was coolness personified when game needed to be closed out. Ciaran Thompson really grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck. Some baffling calls by the ref. But 2 points of the road is a good day.

Another good result on Saturday first half we looked very sluggish 2nd half really upped our game substitutes all made a positive impact. Fine outing by Daire O Baoill, Brendan Mc Cole done a good job shadowing Ultan Kelm. No doubt this Sunday will be a bigger test of where we are.

Probably not a lot learned from the win yesterday as Kildare were desperately poor and looked like a team just trying to avoid a hiding. At a few points in the first half all 30 players, including Patton, were in the Kildare half. That said a number of players looked good, especially Mogan who had a great game. We took our scores very well, I think 16 of the 17 points were from play and the other was a mark. The referee awarded us a free in the Kildare half during the second half to cheers from the crowd! Apart from a few poor choices, by and large we worked the scoring opportunities well and the kicking accuracy was very impressive. Good to have Langan motoring well again too.

All focus will switch to Derry now.