Donegal v Derry.

smashey

Well, after a few weeks of action, it's the turn of a couple of heavyweights to go toe to toe in Ballybofey on Sunday.

I can't remain impartial here and think Donegal can take the muckers in McCumhaill Park. As Kevin Cassidy pointed out, when they met in the league, Donegal were without quite a few players and when they really went for it for a while in the second half, they proved a point to Derry.

While Derry can score from a lot of positions, Paddy Bradley will be the main danger. Eamon McGee is likely to start on him but I wouldn't be surprised to see Karl Lacey marking him after 10 or 15 minutes. If Donegal can gain parity in midfield, then as I've already predicted in the pools thread, we can do it.

What say ye all?

Pride Fighter

Derry to do what Donegal did last year, win the league and suck in the Championship.
Donegal by 2 points.

solskjaer20

Derry by a point.

Team named tonight.

Captain: Kevin McCloy

Manager (s): Paddy Crozier (Manager);
Backroom: John McCloskey; Bernie Henry; Peter Doherty; Martin Heaney.

1 Seán Ó Díochon John Deighan Léim an Mhadaidh

2 Caoimhín Mag Eoghaín Kevin McGuckin Baile an Doire

3 Caoimhín MacLuaidh Kevin McCloy An Leamhaigh

4 Seán Máirtín Locard Sean Martin Lockhart Beannchar

5 Gearard Ó Catháin Gerard O'Kane Gleann Iolar

6 Niall Mac Oscair Niall McCusker Baile an Doire

7 Mícheál Mac Íomhair Michael McIvor Baile an Doire

8 Fearghal Ó Dochartaigh Fergal Doherty Baile Eochaidh

9 Seosamh Mac Duibhír Joe Diver Baile Eochaidh

10 Marcas Ó Loingsigh Mark Lynch Beannchar

11 Pól Ó Murchú Paul Murphy Dún Geimhin

12 Éanna Ó Maoldúin Enda Muldoon Baile an Doire

13 Connlaodh Mac Giollagáin Conleth Gilligan Baile an Doire

14 Pádraig Ó Brolcháin Paddy Bradley Gleann Iolar

15 Eoin Ó Brolcháin Eoin Bradley Gleann Iolar

16 Barra Mac Giolla Íosa Barry Gillis Machaire Fíolta

17 Pádraig Ó Brolcháin Patsy Bradley Leacht Neil

18 Pól Mac Artáin Paul Cartin Beannchar

19 Séamas Ó Conbhuí James Conway Baile an Doire

20 Coilín Ó Doibhilin Colin Devlin Baile an Doire

21 Riain Diolún Ryan Dillon An tSuaitreagh

22 Seosamh Ó Cianáin Joe Keenan Machaire Fiolta

23 Mícheál Mac Giolla Bhríde Michael McBride Baile na Scrine

24 Proinsias Mac Giolla Domhnaigh Francis McEldowney Leacht Neil

25 Rian Mac Giolla Chomhain Ryan McElhone An Droichead Nua

26 Barra Mac Gualraic Barry McGoldrick Cúlraithin

27 Mícheál Mac Gualraic Michael McGoldrick Baile Eochaidh

28 Ciarán Ó Maoláin Ciaran Mullan Druim Sorran

29 Pól Ó hAodha Paul O'Hea Baile an Stil

30 Réamann Mac Uilcín Raymond Wilkinson Baile an Doire

solskjaer20

1. John Deighan
2. Kevin McGuckin
3. Kevin McCloy
4. Sean Martin Lockhart
5. Gerard O’Kane
6. Niall McCusker
7. Michael McIvor
8. Fergal Doherty
9. Joe Diver
10. Mark Lynch
11. Paul Murphy
12. Enda Muldoon
13. Conleith Gilligan
14. Paddy Bradley
15. Eoin Bradley

Thats a bit easier read.

blackbelt

smashey wrote: »

Well, after a few weeks of action, it's the turn of a couple of heavyweights to go toe to toe in Ballybofey on Sunday.

I can't remain impartial here and think Donegal can take the muckers in McCumhaill Park. As Kevin Cassidy pointed out, when they met in the league, Donegal were without quite a few players and when they really went for it for a while in the second half, they proved a point to Derry.

While Derry can score from a lot of positions, Paddy Bradley will be the main danger. Eamon McGee is likely to start on him but I wouldn't be surprised to see Karl Lacey marking him after 10 or 15 minutes. If Donegal can gain parity in midfield, then as I've already predicted in the pools thread, we can do it.

What say ye all?

I am quite sure Fermanagh and in particular Monaghan would disagree that they are not heavyweights...and a special mention has to go to McQuaid here.:p:p:p

You never know,Bradley may start on him if the tempers flare.:rolleyes::D

Now down to business,I think Derry will win this and the strength of midfield and in particular the defense will be the key difference.

I think Doherty and Joe Diver are too strong for the Donegal midfield but Donegal have a very mean defense that won't give too much away.I think Donegal are certainly well capable of containing Paddy Bradley for goal chances so I can see Derry's points occurring from outside the 20m line.Enda Muldoon is another high profile player that can just be as dangerous as Paddy Bradley.I think out of the forwards for Derry,Paddy Bradley,Muldoon and Conleth Gilligan are the three main threats.The consensus was that if Bradley was kept quiet,Derry would lose but I don't think this is the case anymore.

Also,the Derry full back line is one of the strongest defenses in the country with McCloy,McGuckin and Sean Martin Lockhart.I think Derrys half back line will be at fault for most of Donegals scores.I think Derry are marginally better in defense and midfield so I'd go with Derry by 3 points.

Also,the omission of Devenney from the Donegal panel will hurt Donegal a lot and this just adds to Donegals difficulties.

bennyc

After watching the fermanagh game last week I now fancy Donegal for Ulster. Monaghan played like Donegal did V Monaghan last year IMO. Fermanagh will have to improve a long way to beat either Derry or Donegal.
I was pissed when I read Brendan D was left out as I reckon a 1/2 fiv Dev is good for an impact sub. I am looking forwad to seeing Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden and hope to god Mondays threads will not be about McIvor regretting leaving out Devenny.

When is the team sheet expected to be released.

bennyc

Donegal Team

Paul Durcan
Karl Lacey
Neil McGee
Paddy McDaid
Frank McGlynn
Eamon McGee
Barry Dunnion
Kevin Cassidy
Neil Gallagher
Christy Toye
Michael Hegarty
Rory Kavanagh
Michael Murphy
Colm McFadden
David Walsh.

Mehh

It has to said Derry were always comfortable against Donegal in that league game. Anyhow hopefully the MacCumhailll park championship crowd will count for a few points, and Derry'll do what we did last year.

I'm sure McIver has his reasons for leavin out Devenney. What about Eddie Sweeney, are the legs finally givin up or is he just injured?

smashey

Mehh wrote: »

It has to said Derry were always comfortable against Donegal in that league game. Anyhow hopefully the MacCumhailll park championship crowd will count for a few points, and Derry'll do what we did last year.

I'm sure McIver has his reasons for leavin out Devenney. What about Eddie Sweeney, are the legs finally givin up or is he just injured?

Sweeney was involved in the training sessions but was omitted based on this. It looks like time is catching up with him.:(

K-9

blackbelt wrote: »

the strength of midfield and in particular the defense will be the key difference.

I think Doherty and Joe Diver are too strong for the Donegal midfield but Donegal have a very mean defense that won't give too much away.I think Donegal are certainly well capable of containing Paddy Bradley for goal chances so I can see Derry's points occurring from outside the 20m line.Enda Muldoon is another high profile player that can just be as dangerous as Paddy Bradley.I think out of the forwards for Derry,Paddy Bradley,Muldoon and Conleth Gilligan are the three main threats.The consensus was that if Bradley was kept quiet,Derry would lose but I don't think this is the case anymore.

Also,the Derry full back line is one of the strongest defenses in the country with McCloy,McGuckin and Sean Martin Lockhart.I think Derrys half back line will be at fault for most of Donegals scores.

Also,the omission of Devenney from the Donegal panel will hurt Donegal a lot and this just adds to Donegals difficulties.

Edited there! But probably not far of the mark. We are up against it. Looking at that Derry team, especially Backs and Midfield, it's AI Material.

Hopefuly Lacey will take Paddy Bradley and limit him to 3/4 points. Best anybody can do with him!

I worry about McDaid. Honest player but championship debut.

Midfield isn't going to be pretty with Walsh and Kavanagh probably coming back to help out.

I'd love to see Murphy announce his arrival but if McCloy picks him up it's going to be some battle.

Heart is really saying Donegal, head isn't.

Donegal to win!

sneezymonica

My money is on Derry, much stronger defensively and much more convincing in the league than (admittedly a depleted) Donegal.

Would personally love to see Donegal do the business this year,but I don't think it's going to happen. Very disappointed not to see Devenney in the side, I think he's a big loss, even from the bench.

McFadden will have his work cut out for him tomorrow.

It has the makings of a great match either way, I'm looking forward to it

Gareth37

I will go for a draw or Donegal by a point.

Its going to be a close match, I will go for 10-10

K-9

blackbelt wrote:

the strength of midfield and in particular the defense will be the key difference.

I think Doherty and Joe Diver are too strong for the Donegal midfield but Donegal have a very mean defense that won't give too much away.I think Donegal are certainly well capable of containing Paddy Bradley for goal chances so I can see Derry's points occurring from outside the 20m line.Enda Muldoon is another high profile player that can just be as dangerous as Paddy Bradley.I think out of the forwards for Derry,Paddy Bradley,Muldoon and Conleth Gilligan are the three main threats.The consensus was that if Bradley was kept quiet,Derry would lose but I don't think this is the case anymore.

Also,the Derry full back line is one of the strongest defenses in the country with McCloy,McGuckin and Sean Martin Lockhart.I think Derrys half back line will be at fault for most of Donegals scores.

Also,the omission of Devenney from the Donegal panel will hurt Donegal a lot and this just adds to Donegals difficulties.

Seanies32 wrote: »

Edited there! But probably not far of the mark. We are up against it. Looking at that Derry team, especially Backs and Midfield, it's AI Material.

Hopefuly Lacey will take Paddy Bradley and limit him to 3/4 points. Best anybody can do with him!

I worry about McDaid. Honest player but championship debut.

Midfield isn't going to be pretty with Walsh and Kavanagh probably coming back to help out.

I'd love to see Murphy announce his arrival but if McCloy picks him up it's going to be some battle.

Heart is really saying Donegal, head isn't.

Donegal to win!

Think my edited version of Blackbelts post wasn't too far of the mark, barring missing Devenney.

Think our Full forward line did well. McFadden did well barring one miss in the second half and Murphy will do well against weaker defences.

Our half back line, midfield and half forwards where very disappointing, didn't think we'd be that outclassed. Barring Kavanagh and Cassidy and Walsh coming back very very poor. Toye and Hegarty have been struggling for a long time.

Can't understand why Lacey wasn't moved onto Paddy Bradley.

Should have been more short kick outs.

We can go far in the qualifiers but need some of our experienced players to hit form. Roper has to be included next time.

DublinDes

Derry are the ones to watch this year. A friend of mine seen them in the League and said they may not win the Sam this year, probably an Ulster title, but he reckons they are the ones to watch for the future.

GAAman

DublinDes wrote: »

Derry are the ones to watch this year. A friend of mine seen them in the League and said they may not win the Sam this year, probably an Ulster title, but he reckons they are the ones to watch for the future.

I reckon by the time they do come into their own ( i say 2-3 years for championship form) paddy bradley will be out of it and sure they wont have anybody to pass the ball to then

As for now i think (and have been saying) they will be certain contenders for the ulster final and may very well win it, but championship wise they will burn out......again

Pride Fighter

Good game IMO. Both teams kick passed more than I expected and there should have been more scores by both teams. If there was a different ref It could have been something like 1-17 -1-15.