Donegal GAA Discussion Thread

Hulk Hands · 03-08-2015 9:06pm

Agreed every set of fans has their share of clowns, Donegal fans would have more of the 'drinking bandwagon day out' brigade than most, so not sure ye can be complaining too much about others, especially after stuff like the Pat Spillane incident. I shipped a bit of abuse the last day, the usual 'safe home now craic' until I reminded them I was staying down in Dub for Galways AI hurling semi in 2 weeks, and the best of luck on their quest to catch Louth on 3 titles. Easy targets but it cheered me up slightly from my depressed state

seligehgit · 03-08-2015 9:09pm

jjdonegal wrote: »

Ones around me were brilliant in fairness as they were in 2012. Have been to many Mayo games and they have always been A1. Every team has the small minority; like the six absolute disgraces wearing Donegal jerseys leaving Cusack Stand on Saturday verbally abusing a group of school children wearing what I thought were Mayo jerseys. They were absolutely tanked and I'd hazard a good guess they wouldn't remember the next day but there is a difference between friendly banter and expletives being used especially considering the age group being targeted.
As I've said; we all have them and they rear their head for the games in Croker.

Well said.There was none of that carry on around the area we were seated in 2013.Lots of rather excited,elated Mayo fans after beating the worthy All Ireland champions and gracious Donegal fans wishing us the best.Ditto we went for pints with a Donegal mate post the 2012 final.There is a healthy respect/needle between our respective counties.Familiarity does'nt necessarily breed contempt nor animosity but a strong rivalry.Sure is'nt the great Michael Murphy half Mayo?;)

Is Eamonn McGee likely to be fit for Saturday?It would be some battle between himself and Aidan O Shea.

harpsman · 03-08-2015 9:14pm

jjdonegal wrote: »

Ones around me were brilliant in fairness as they were in 2012. Have been to many Mayo games and they have always been A1. Every team has the small minority; like the six absolute disgraces wearing Donegal jerseys leaving Cusack Stand on Saturday verbally abusing a group of school children wearing what I thought were Mayo jerseys. They were absolutely tanked and I'd hazard a good guess they wouldn't remember the next day but there is a difference between friendly banter and expletives being used especially considering the age group being targeted.
As I've said; we all have them and they rear their head for the games in Croker.

Ive alot of time for Mayo fans but a larger proportion than normal were very ungracious that day. My personal theory is that their noses were very out of joint after losing a final to little old Donegal the previous year. Could be wrong.

jjdonegal · 03-08-2015 9:27pm

seligehgit wrote: »

Well said.There was none of that carry on around the area we were seated in 2013.Lots of rather excited,elated Mayo fans after beating the worthy All Ireland champions and gracious Donegal fans wishing us the best.Ditto we went for pints with a Donegal mate post the 2012 final.There is a healthy respect/needle between our respective counties.Familiarity does'nt necessarily breed contempt nor animosity but a strong rivalry.Sure is'nt the great Michael Murphy half Mayo?;)

Is Eamonn McGee likely to be fit for Saturday?It would be some battle between himself and Aidan O Shea.

Hard to know; Rory spoke positively yoday about him but someone on here said he is out. We really need all our panel to choose from to be competitive in my eyes. Dont see it being 2013 levels but dont see it being nice either!

Alvin Holler · 03-08-2015 9:39pm

Just saw a headline on another website about Marty Duffy reffing a quarter final...

...fortunately it's not ours. We've got David Gough, don't think we've had him before.

harpsman · 03-08-2015 9:41pm

jjdonegal wrote: »

Hard to know; Rory spoke positively yoday about him but someone on here said he is out. We really need all our panel to choose from to be competitive in my eyes. Dont see it being 2013 levels but dont see it being nice either!

Think anyone gonna struggle against OShea if he gets enough supply. Presume McHugh will sweep in front of him.

jjdonegal · 03-08-2015 9:42pm

Alvin Holler wrote: »

Just saw a headline on another website about Marty Duffy reffing a quarter final...

...fortunately it's not ours. We've got David Gough, don't think we've had him before.

2014 league final. Sent of Kav. Linesman in Ulster final too with selective vision that day.

jjdonegal · 03-08-2015 9:44pm

harpsman wrote: »

Think anyone gonna struggle against OShea if he gets enough supply. Presume McHugh will sweep in front of him.

True. Can see him causing absolute havoc if at FF but part of me says he might play most at 11

seligehgit · 03-08-2015 9:52pm

I think Aidan O Shea will be employed in around the square.No logical reason to mix things up,he may as usual drift out the field if needs require it.

jjdonegal · 03-08-2015 10:00pm

seligehgit wrote: »

I think Aidan O Shea will be employed in around the square.No logical reason to mix things up,he may as usual drift out the field if needs require it.

Yeah true but just an inkling they might change it up a little. Could be way off the mark though. What a superb footballer like Murphy that he offers such options at 8; 11 or 14. It's invaluable having a player like that to call upon.

Stoner · 03-08-2015 10:29pm

Jayop wrote:

The second time they all booed I counted and every single Galway player was in their own half. Very little understanding among them of what actually caused Donegal to retain the possession on those two instances.

I was there with a few Donegal men, the frustrating thing was that during that period, as discussed when it was about seven points each, Murphy was one on one inside and it was crying out for the ball to go into him but Donegal just seemed to play it around. They only played it into him in the second half when he was moved in there . They seemed to struggle with him only "drifting" in.

Redsoxfan · 04-08-2015 11:24am

It was kind of a strange game on Saturday. We started so well, and then came the almost inevitable decline.

To then finish up winning by 10 points is kind of misleading, because between the 15th and 50th minute, we didn’t play that well at all. We got the breaks in the 2nd half – with Conroy missing a fairly kickable free and then being denied one when he seemed to be fairly clearly fouled by Neil McGee. But no harm to finish with a flourish for a change.

Still, there were some positive signs. Odhran MacNiallais for one. The points, the passing, the work rate. Very good. Martin McElhinney was too reckless with his shooting but he did make an impact which as good to see after the Ulster Final. Ryan McHugh was everywhere – great to see him back to his best.

Finally, we get to see Michael Murphy where he is most effective. Fair enough, it might not always work, especially in Ulster, but we have to try and persist with it more often – the results speak for themselves. His play further out the field isn’t that effective – surely we have someone else who can perform more or less the same role?
Again, Paddy is confusing/frustrating – is he injured or not and how bad is it? Those were two very bad wides in the 2nd half. To be fair, he still showed well a lot of the time without getting any good ball.
Colm wasn’t perfect by any stretch, but f**k it, I am going to focus on the positives, he still contributed a lot. It’s great to see, as was another Christy Toye goal in Croke Park.

Hugh McFadden wasn’t great, but he put himself about. Dreadful kick pass in 1st half. Didn’t kick the ball other than that. Thought that E Doherty really struggled – continually beaten by his man and Paddy McGrath’s black card was down to him.

Thompson, Leo and Walsh all looked pretty good coming on. The first two could have a big part to play on Saturday. If Paddy doesn’t start, could Leo be a good partner for Michael up top? Unlikely, but I wouldn’t mind seeing it.

We still kicked too many wides and our defence still looks suspect when run at – and we will see plenty of that on Saturday.

My biggest concern is that E McGee, Lacey, Murphy (despite what Rory says), Paddy and maybe even Frank are not 100%. Mayo will be well rested and aren't really carrying any injuries we know of. It could well end up like 2013.

I hope we can keep it interesting. But I just can’t see us winning at this stage. It’s a big step up from Galway and a very different kind of challenge from Monaghan.

Ollieboy · 04-08-2015 2:15pm

Redsoxfan wrote: »

It was kind of a strange game on Saturday. We started so well, and then came the almost inevitable decline.

To then finish up winning by 10 points is kind of misleading, because between the 15th and 50th minute, we didn’t play that well at all. We got the breaks in the 2nd half – with Conroy missing a fairly kickable free and then being denied one when he seemed to be fairly clearly fouled by Neil McGee. But no harm to finish with a flourish for a change.

Still, there were some positive signs. Odhran MacNiallais for one. The points, the passing, the work rate. Very good. Martin McElhinney was too reckless with his shooting but he did make an impact which as good to see after the Ulster Final. Ryan McHugh was everywhere – great to see him back to his best.

Finally, we get to see Michael Murphy where he is most effective. Fair enough, it might not always work, especially in Ulster, but we have to try and persist with it more often – the results speak for themselves. His play further out the field isn’t that effective – surely we have someone else who can perform more or less the same role?
Again, Paddy is confusing/frustrating – is he injured or not and how bad is it? Those were two very bad wides in the 2nd half. To be fair, he still showed well a lot of the time without getting any good ball.
Colm wasn’t perfect by any stretch, but f**k it, I am going to focus on the positives, he still contributed a lot. It’s great to see, as was another Christy Toye goal in Croke Park.

Hugh McFadden wasn’t great, but he put himself about. Dreadful kick pass in 1st half. Didn’t kick the ball other than that. Thought that E Doherty really struggled – continually beaten by his man and Paddy McGrath’s black card was down to him.

Thompson, Leo and Walsh all looked pretty good coming on. The first two could have a big part to play on Saturday. If Paddy doesn’t start, could Leo be a good partner for Michael up top? Unlikely, but I wouldn’t mind seeing it.

We still kicked too many wides and our defence still looks suspect when run at – and we will see plenty of that on Saturday.

My biggest concern is that E McGee, Lacey, Murphy (despite what Rory says), Paddy and maybe even Frank are not 100%. Mayo will be well rested and aren't really carrying any injuries we know of. It could well end up like 2013.

I hope we can keep it interesting. But I just can’t see us winning at this stage. It’s a big step up from Galway and a very different kind of challenge from Monaghan.

I have to agree with everything you said.

On Saturday it could be the last game for some of these lads, but my God they have given us some enjoyment over the last 4 to 5 years and even longer.

If we play the same way we did against Dublin last year, we'll beat Mayo easily. Like Dublin, Mayo have had a easy run this year but they will be 110% up for it on Saturday. If we get them on the break we'll score goals to win as their defense as holes everywhere (we'll need 3 goals), if we don't get the goals, then it could be a really bad day for us and a very long day. We also need to defend better, maybe even deeper then we have in the last few games. But we will have to dig very deep on Saturday, as this will be a tough game with 3 games in 4 weeks. If we were fresh, I wouldn't be so worried, but I feel these lads have given a lot this year already.

Personally I don't think this Mayo team is as strong as last years team. And Horan was a better manager then the current management team. If Horan was still about I would give Mayo a bigger edge.

Ceist_Beag · 04-08-2015 2:24pm

Redsoxfan wrote: »

My biggest concern is that E McGee, Lacey, Murphy (despite what Rory says), Paddy and maybe even Frank are not 100%. Mayo will be well rested and aren't really carrying any injuries we know of. It could well end up like 2013.

I hope we can keep it interesting. But I just can’t see us winning at this stage. It’s a big step up from Galway and a very different kind of challenge from Monaghan.

All true RSF and I would be in agreement but there's just something in the way the boys are pushing themselves that gives me hope that they can really give Mayo a good rattle on Saturday. If we can keep out the goal chances I think we have enough threat up front so I just hope we can go in at half time still in with a shout. One thing we need to improve on to have a chance though is our conversion rate.

harpsman · 04-08-2015 8:51pm

On a point of trivia Christy has championship goals in Croke Park 13 years apart going back to Meath 02. Has anyone else done this?

K-9 · 04-08-2015 9:07pm

Maybe one of the Down or Galway lads from the 60's. Can't think of anybody more recent. JackO but he was a midfielder.

2moreMinutes · 04-08-2015 9:24pm

The funny thing I noticed about Paddy on Saturday was that he went into tried & tested Junior B mode by wincing and rubbing his knee/hamstring/ankle after he kicked a wide but no obvious sign of any bother at any other stage. Fair enough, I only seen what the TV camera showed but it amused me anyway.

harpsman · 04-08-2015 9:25pm

K-9 wrote: »

Maybe one of the Down or Galway lads from the 60's. Can't think of anybody more recent. JackO but he was a midfielder.

Jackp unlikely given that kerry didn't play a champ game in Croker from 86 to 91 and I don't think they got a goal in 91. By 93 he was managing Mayo tons 20 point defeat against Cork.

Alvin Holler · 04-08-2015 9:26pm

harpsman wrote: »

On a point of trivia Christy has championship goals in Croke Park 13 years apart going back to Meath 02. Has anyone else done this?

Colm Cooper 2002 vs Cork all ireland semi and last Sunday. Terrace Talk website is great for googling:P

I'd imagine more Dublin and Kerry footballers would have as well.

jjdonegal · 04-08-2015 10:31pm

Can anyone log into their season ticket account? Won't let me in and I'm trying to opt out of our 2 season tickets as have got tickets elsewhere. Nuisance as deadline is tomo morning.

Redsoxfan · 04-08-2015 11:01pm

jjdonegal wrote:

Can anyone log into their season ticket account? Won't let me in and I'm trying to opt out of our 2 season tickets as have got tickets elsewhere. Nuisance as deadline is tomo morning.

I could earlier but can't right now.

Was down last Friday afternoon too. Came back in a while.

doc_17 · 05-08-2015 10:30am

jjdonegal wrote: »

Can anyone log into their season ticket account? Won't let me in and I'm trying to opt out of our 2 season tickets as have got tickets elsewhere. Nuisance as deadline is tomo morning.

Email them as I've found them relatively quick to reply. Although the reply is usually bu******.

doc_17 · 05-08-2015 10:55am

So what about the team for Sunday? I'll assume Lacey is still out or won't be able to start and all the rest are ok as word is McGee will be ready.

1 Durcan
2 McGrath
3 N McGee
4 E McGee
5 Thompson
6 McGlynn
7 R McHugh
8 Gallagher
9 McElhinney
10 M McHugh
11 MacNiallais
12 McLoone/H McFadden/O'Reilly/Toye
13 McBrearty
14 Murphy
15 C McFadden

I'd be fairly certain about 14 of those starting but each of those has at 12 could start but I haven't a clue who. Hugh did well the last day so maybe he deserves it. Think it's better to start McElhinney as we need to be as competitive as possible from the start.

Redsoxfan · 05-08-2015 11:59am

Let's discuss.

When Michael plays deep, what does he offer? He's big and physical, so his presence alone is an asset around midfield and even under our own crossbar. He's can also be a good kick passer, but who does he end up passing to if he's not inside? He can't tackle and it could be said that his tackling is a liability.

So, can we afford to leave Michael at full forward if we play Hugh McFadden as a third midfielder. I'd say, yes, we can. If you think back to 2012, Jim used to like picking Ryan Bradley. No harm to him, but he wasn't the finest footballer. But he worked hard and was a big strong lad who could get stuck in around midfield. Michael played wholly at FF in 2012 as far as I recall and it worked pretty well.

Can Hugh McFadden be Ryan Bradley? Yes, I believe that he can. He works hard enough. His tackling is poor. He doesn't try anything too adventurous. Pick him and we might be able to leave Michael at FF, where he is at his most effective. With reasonable ball, there is no one better in that position.

I'd be leaning towards the following:

Durcan
McGrath
N McGee
E McGee (but I don't believe that he's fit and I worry that he will be pushed around by Aidan O'Se if he ends up marking him)
Thompson
McGlynn
M McHugh
Gallagher
H McFadden
R McHugh
MacNiallais
Toye
O'Reilly
Murphy
C McFadden

Subs all to come on at some stage - McBrearty, McElhinney, Lacey, Dec Walsh, McLoone

Finish with your strongest team. Hopefully the team that starts will be able to keep us in the game long enough for the likes of Paddy, McElhinney (both seem to play better as subs) and McLoone can have a real impact.

jjdonegal · 05-08-2015 12:25pm

Redsoxfan wrote: »

Let's discuss.

When Michael plays deep, what does he offer? He's big and physical, so his presence alone is an asset around midfield and even under our own crossbar. He's can also be a good kick passer, but who does he end up passing to if he's not inside? He can't tackle and it could be said that his tackling is a liability.

So, can we afford to leave Michael at full forward if we play Hugh McFadden as a third midfielder. I'd say, yes, we can. If you think back to 2012, Jim used to like picking Ryan Bradley. No harm to him, but he wasn't the finest footballer. But he worked hard and was a big strong lad who could get stuck in around midfield. Michael played wholly at FF in 2012 as far as I recall and it worked pretty well.

Can Hugh McFadden be Ryan Bradley? Yes, I believe that he can. He works hard enough. His tackling is poor. He doesn't try anything too adventurous. Pick him and we might be able to leave Michael at FF, where he is at his most effective. With reasonable ball, there is no one better in that position.

I'd be leaning towards the following:

Durcan
McGrath
N McGee
E McGee (but I don't believe that he's fit and I worry that he will be pushed around by Aidan O'Se if he ends up marking him)
Thompson
McGlynn
M McHugh
Gallagher
H McFadden
R McHugh
MacNiallais
Toye
O'Reilly
Murphy
C McFadden

Subs all to come on at some stage - McBrearty, McElhinney, Lacey, Dec Walsh, McLoone

Finish with your strongest team. Hopefully the team that starts will be able to keep us in the game long enough for the likes of Paddy, McElhinney (both seem to play better as subs) and McLoone can have a real impact.

Broadly agree. I think we will see Murphy play a lot more at 14 on Saturday as; even though I call it naive; Mayo do line out pretty conventionally so he will have the room that makes that move worthwhile. No use playing him at 14 in Ulster alert from short bursts as he is double and triple marked. I thought Reilly done well last Saturday so id have no qualms about him starting but to be a little different I feel we need to start our best team or as close as possible to ensure we get a foothold early. No use bringing on Paddy; Leo; etc if we losing by 5/6 points.

From reading reports it seems Lacey and Eamon are making it so id go:
1. Durcan
2. McGrath
3. McGee
4. McGee**
5. M. McHugh
6. Lacey**
7. McGlynn
8. Gallagher
9. McElhinney / Toye - not quite sure. A big opening 30 from Toye or come on and put in a big effort like he has done before.
10. McHugh
11. McLoone
12. MacNiallas
13. McFadden
14. Murphy
15. McBrearty

Obviously big question marks about two of them. I think Toye has an integral part to play but not for 70mins and torn between his role.
Not quite sure on Tonys match sharpness but he was good when he came on Saurday.Could easily start with Mark moving forward, etc so there is 3/4 different lineouts going around in my head.
It's a hard one to call to be honest and my brain is working in overdrive just waiting for frigging Sat to come.
Only copped on Junior final at 2 so there games for 25e is good.

Stoner · 05-08-2015 1:36pm

Ceist_Beag wrote: »

y the boys are pushing themselves that gives me hope that they can really give Mayo a good rattle on Saturday. If we can keep out the goal chances

I agree, you've in a great position to reduce Mayo's scoring opportunities, better than anyone left I'd say

eddie73 · 05-08-2015 1:41pm

Our midfield has to gamble without Murphys help. The long ball into him has to be good, not just an aimless hoof. I think that we saw some of that in the ulster final, when the ball was just lumped in, as opposed to the galway game, were there was a lot more shape and accuracy to the ball in. The running off the ball was excellent in the last 20 also.

A lot of people talk about putting in a 70 minute performance, but I would say that we have to put in the performance at the right times of the game, knowing when to pull back and then when to take the offensive. Too much of either would spell disaster imo. I think that if we start well, and frustrate mayo, it would be better than getting a 3 point lead as we often do, and then run out of breath for 20 minutes, or get pinned back. Nice and tight for the first 20, and get the mayo lads shouting at each other their heads down going in at half time.

We have a major chance then. No goals conceded either would be a huge thing. We also need to bag one too.

Ceist_Beag · 05-08-2015 1:48pm

Rory's biggest concern going into Saturday is trying to figure out why the team drops off so much after about 10 minutes and doesn't really perform the rest of the first half. If he can address that we have a real chance against Mayo.
So the questions then are, would putting Murphy in at full help out here, and would we be best to start with our strongest 15 even if some might not be 100% (either in terms of fitness or form) or should we hold some back for an impact later.
In terms of the first question you would have to think that Mayo will keep to their usual style and won't surround the D with defenders so it surely looks like the best option from our pov would be to put Murphy at the edge of the square and have the option of hitting him long if we can't penetrate from deep.
In terms of the second question, it's not quite so easy to answer. Personally I would like to see Leo start. I think he gives us a physicality up front that we really need. I would keep Christy back for half time and introduce him then if needed or with about 20 to go if we're going well. Paddy is the hardest call for me. Previously he has done better off the bench but to be fair to him, all year he has shown well for us and it's only the second half last weekend that has really counted against him. I would start him.
My 15 would be

Durcan
McGrath
N McGee
E McGee
McGlynn
Lacey (or Thompson if he's not fit - however if fit Lacey should start)
M McHugh
Gallagher
MacNiallais
R McHugh
McLoone
O'Reilly
McBrearty
Murphy
C McFadden

Options from the bench for me would be McElhinney, Thompson, Toye.

All that said, I can see exactly where you're coming from RSF. If the game goes along the same pattern as recent games, we would be much better placed having a hungry McBrearty and McLoone to spring from the bench at half time so it's not an easy call.

jimmycrackcorm · 05-08-2015 1:53pm

Bring Christy in after 15 / 20 minutes. Worked well last year.

harpsman · 05-08-2015 2:28pm

Id go with

Durcan
McGee
McGee
McGrath
McGlynn
Lacey
Thompson
Gallagher
McElhinney
McHugh
McNiallis
McHugh
McB
Murphy
McF

Subs- Toye,McLoone,OReilly and McFadden; and Walsh as defensive cover. (Assumimg all fit!)

I know that 12 of the starters from '12 but I think theyre still the best we got.

Havent seen enough from OReilly and H McF to convince me theyre good enough (yet) at this level.

I'd bar any of our top 3 from entering their own half and let the other 12 players do the defending-apart from the odd occasion maybe when their marker makes a run. But Id like to see Murphy moving around looking for passes rather than either standing on the square waiting hit and hopes or playing at half back!! Not that its going to happen.

boxer.fan · 05-08-2015 3:52pm

This Mayo team are a bit of an unknown quantity so far. We know they can get the scores when let at it. I think if we can hang on to their coat tails and then introduce Toye, mcLoone & mcBrearty around half time we can put their backs to the wall, get our heads up & clinch the win.

A few things need to click for us on the day.
1. McGee needs to roast O'Shea
2. Our lads need to pick up the breaks from Gallagher v Parsons / O'Shea
3. Reduce our wide count
4. Avoid soft frees or o'Connor will punish.

I don't know much about this referee either, he is relatively new at this level.

eddie73 · 05-08-2015 4:44pm

The ref, Gough, is a good one. He is not whistle happy, nor is he easily swayed by team members protesting at him. I would be happy with most refs 2bh, there is only one ref that seems to steal the show, and he is in charge of a game on the same day....

Nidgeweasel · 05-08-2015 6:56pm

harpsman wrote: »

Ive alot of time for Mayo fans but a larger proportion than normal were very ungracious that day. My personal theory is that their noses were very out of joint after losing a final to little old Donegal the previous year. Could be wrong.

They were shocking in 2012 after the game. I've never seen the like of it. I think I was so shocked because it was wholly unexpected. Always found them to be a very good natured bunch.

As has been said there are dick heads in every county probably just happened to be around the worst of theirs at that time, and 2013. Wouldn't tar them all with the same brush (not that you were). Kerry folk have said we were excellent after the game last year, not sure how sporting we'd be having lost 7 finals in a row mind you.

On Saturday, my initial thoughts are that our run this year will have left us very battle hardened and we will be a tough test for Mayo, however we're also pretty much running on fumes and I expect Mayo to win comfortably in the end up albeit not anywhere as bad as 2013. I'd expect them to run out handy winners with 4/5 points to spare or thereabouts.

I'll post more about the team later once I've had another think.

Boom__Boom · 05-08-2015 7:09pm

Redsoxfan wrote: »

Let's discuss.

When Michael plays deep, what does he offer? He's big and physical, so his presence alone is an asset around midfield and even under our own crossbar. He's can also be a good kick passer, but who does he end up passing to if he's not inside? He can't tackle and it could be said that his tackling is a liability.

He was sent off 3 times in the league with 2 blacks and a red from 2 yellows.

He also has had a couple of close shaves with some of his tackles in the championship - he picked one yellow which was the correct decision but wasn't a million miles from the black (and a huge factor in these ones can be how the player fouled ends up going to ground) and there was another tackle where I'm not sure if he picked up a card but also wasn't a million miles from a black.

Having him out the field constantly tackling is definitely taking a risk - I'd imagine he would be far safer in terms of lasting the full 70 in by goal.

Nidgeweasel · 05-08-2015 7:32pm

Boom__Boom wrote: »

He was sent off 3 times in the league with 2 blacks and a red from 2 yellows.

He also has had a couple of close shaves with some of his tackles in the championship - he picked one yellow which was the correct decision but wasn't a million miles from the black (and a huge factor in these ones can be how the player fouled ends up going to ground) and there was another tackle where I'm not sure if he picked up a card but also wasn't a million miles from a black.

Having him out the field constantly tackling is definitely taking a risk - I'd imagine he would be far safer in terms of lasting the full 70 in by goal.

He's been a very lucky boy in the past two games imo. He should have gone in the Ulster final and again on Saturday.

I actually think he was persecuted somewhat during the league because of his physicality, some of the calls were very debatable but those examples I've just given he was blessed not to go.

Redsoxfan · 05-08-2015 7:41pm

On Michael, one of the blacks in the League was very much deliberate (v Tyrone). Donegal were winning easily and were pretty much assured of their Division One status, so he was 'advised' to take one and missed the Mayo game. Clean slate for the Championship.

I recall the red against Cork. The 2nd yellow was quite harsh, but he needed to watch himself given he was already on a yellow.

I felt the Sunday Game focusing on that aspect of his game last week was a little odd.

But, I agree that in general, he needs to be more careful.

Stoner · 05-08-2015 7:51pm

Redsoxfan wrote:

But, I agree that in general, he needs to be more careful.

He's just a horse, big like O'Gara if either of them leave the arm out they lamp lads . They get a bad rep as they are strong, borderline clashes look worse when they do it, when they run into lads the other lad is flattened.

But neither is dirty player. Murphy is on a team that gives 100% but he has to hold back where others can give their all

Boom__Boom · 05-08-2015 7:51pm

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

He's been a very lucky boy in the past two games imo. He should have gone in the Ulster final and again on Saturday.

I actually think he was persecuted somewhat during the league because of his physicality, some of the calls were very debatable but those examples I've just given he was blessed not to go.

Redsoxfan wrote: »

On Michael, one of the blacks in the League was very much deliberate (v Tyrone). Donegal were winning easily and were pretty much assured of their Division One status, so he was 'advised' to take one and missed the Mayo game. Clean slate for the Championship.

I recall the red against Cork. The 2nd yellow was quite harsh, but he needed to watch himself given he was already on a yellow.

I felt the Sunday Game focusing on that aspect of his game last week was a little odd.

But, I agree that in general, he needs to be more careful.

Also I think this year Donegal will be able to get away with having him in full-forward far more than they are likely to be able to when Gallagher (and Toye to a lesser extent) move on. I could definitely see the argument for him playing out the field being strengthened when Gallagher goes, as he is likely to be a massive loss. I wouild nearly have Gallagher ahead of Murphy in the POTY stakes given how well he has done this year, especially if the league was taken into account (which it never is for POTY)

Redsoxfan · 05-08-2015 8:22pm

I'm afraid Michael Murphy will not be any kind of replacement for Neil Gallagher. While he is a fine fielder of the ball, his defensive work is way below what Big Neil offers. When Big Neil finally calls it a day, there's no one I can think of that is fit to take his place at the moment. Hopefully someone from last year's Minors (there were one or two candidates) can develop in time, but that too is a long shot.

Anyway, I hope that we get the best from both of them on Saturday. We'll need it.

doc_17 · 05-08-2015 8:55pm

Not a chance that tackle from Murphy in Saturday was a black card. Yellow of course. But not black.

Boom__Boom · 05-08-2015 8:59pm

Redsoxfan wrote: »

I'm afraid Michael Murphy will not be any kind of replacement for Neil Gallagher. While he is a fine fielder of the ball, his defensive work is way below what Big Neil offers. When Big Neil finally calls it a day, there's no one I can think of that is fit to take his place at the moment. Hopefully someone from last year's Minors (there were one or two candidates) can develop in time, but that too is a long shot.

Anyway, I hope that we get the best from both of them on Saturday. We'll need it.

You're correct in that he isn't a like-for-like replacement but in terms of fixing the hole that will be there when Gallagher goes and providing experience and leadership I think Murphy will be the best option for the forseeable future.

Boom__Boom · 05-08-2015 9:03pm

doc_17 wrote: »

Not a chance that tackle from Murphy in Saturday was a black card. Yellow of course. But not black.

Yeah I would have said the one at the weekend was a yellow in my opinion but the thing is a lot of the tackles he makes are very close to being in black card territory. If you're constantly making similar tackles like this, it's inevitable that a ref is going to make the wrong call some day.

jjdonegal · 05-08-2015 9:10pm

Met a mate there for a few hours and had good discussion about game. I might look like a fool come 8pm Saturday for saying this but I am convinced we will see AoS nowhere near 14 come match day.
I think his influence is too important not to have him around 8/11. At 8/11 he will go a long way toward helping Mayo establish a foothold in the centre.
This begs the question: Where do we want him to play?
Personally I think I'd prefer him at 14 in the hope we can bottle him up. He is an absolutely phenomenal player so id prefer him as far away from the most important part of the pitch which for me is the 8/11 zone.
What do people think / want? Id be interested to see where Mayo people want him to play.

Nidgeweasel · 05-08-2015 9:16pm

Boom__Boom wrote: »

Also I think this year Donegal will be able to get away with having him in full-forward far more than they are likely to be able to when Gallagher (and Toye to a lesser extent) move on. I could definitely see the argument for him playing out the field being strengthened when Gallagher goes, as he is likely to be a massive loss. I wouild nearly have Gallagher ahead of Murphy in the POTY stakes given how well he has done this year, especially if the league was taken into account (which it never is for POTY)

We're on the brink of a number of big players leaving. Out of all of them Gallagher will be he one that is hardest to replace. It's a position we struggle with to be honest. Usually end up with makeshift midfielders.

Murphy, while an exceptional footballer, our best footballer and our talisman doesn't have what it takes to replace Gallagher for the longhaul. As RSF has said his defensive duties wouldn't be up to scratch. He'd be a stop gap at best and that's far from ideal.

I really like McElhinney but he needs a proper partner with him.

Quickly thinking round the club scene and can't think of anything/anyone either.

Boom__Boom · 05-08-2015 9:28pm

Nidgeweasel wrote: »

We're on the brink of a number of big players leaving. Out of all of them Gallagher will be he one that is hardest to replace. It's a position we struggle with to be honest. Usually end up with makeshift midfielders.

Murphy, while an exceptional footballer, our best footballer and our talisman doesn't have what it takes to replace Gallagher for the longhaul. As RSF has said his defensive duties wouldn't be up to scratch. He'd be a stop gap at best and that's far from ideal.

I really like McElhinney but he needs a proper partner with him.

Quickly thinking round the club scene and can't think of anything/anyone either.

I would have said McElhinney and Murphy as a partnership although it might be a bit attacking. I thought McElhinney had a serious impact around the middle of the field in the Galway game when he came on - I thought he had a significant input into Donegal getting on top there.

Redsoxfan · 05-08-2015 9:37pm

McElhinney plus Murphy is far too attacking. As is Murphy plus MacNiallais or MacNiallais plus McElhinney.

It's really hard to describe to someone what Big Neil brings to the role. His reading of the game is outstanding and he never shies away from getting stuck in. Works hard for 70 minutes in every game. If only he could shoot. I'll always be amazed he managed to score a point in the All Ireland Final of all games. He pretty much gives a lift to the crowd anytime he does anything.

Anyway, he's not retired yet. Good for another test.

Cartel Mike · 05-08-2015 9:51pm

Can't see it Saturday Chaps.
I think it's one of those "If your not in you can't win" games. Alot of luck would need to go Donegal's way in 70 mins. Not impossible just improbable.

The disappointment was the Monaghan game & those horrible wides if just one of those wides hada crept in then could have been an easier route.

naughto · 05-08-2015 10:13pm

jjdonegal wrote: »

Met a mate there for a few hours and had good discussion about game. I might look like a fool come 8pm Saturday for saying this but I am convinced we will see AoS nowhere near 14 come match day.
I think his influence is too important not to have him around 8/11. At 8/11 he will go a long way toward helping Mayo establish a foothold in the centre.
This begs the question: Where do we want him to play?
Personally I think I'd prefer him at 14 in the hope we can bottle him up. He is an absolutely phenomenal player so id prefer him as far away from the most important part of the pitch which for me is the 8/11 zone.
What do people think / want? Id be interested to see where Mayo people want him to play.

He'll be at 14 no questions asked ye will put 2 on him which frees up one of ours in defence which men's there will be two on Murphy

Stoner · 05-08-2015 10:16pm

jjdonegal wrote:

What do people think / want? Id be interested to see where Mayo people want him to play.

I said something similar on the Dublin thread, I think he'll start out the field and only move in if Mayo have a good gap. Donegal could handle him if its a close game, but I'd say Mayo will look to set up similar to 2013 he'll only be used at 14 in a counter attacking set up.

naughto · 05-08-2015 10:22pm

Stoner wrote: »

I said something similar on the Dublin thread, I think he'll start out the field and only move in if Mayo have a good gap. Donegal could handle him if its a close game, but I'd say Mayo will look to set up similar to 2013 he'll only be used at 14 in a counter attacking set up.

He will burn him self out to quick if he is out the field he needs to be closer to goal when he gets the power down so he doesn't have as much running to do.

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