A big game for the 2 counties. Anyone care to predict? Will both team play down the encounter with the Championship just around the corner?
So many questions...
Derry should go at this full pelt to win. No holding back.
Have to agree with lynchbhoy... hard to know about Donegal as they seem to be a bit of an enigma this year. Win against Kerry and Galway then lose to Tyrone and Kildare! As for Derry well we're going well at the minute but we are equally likely to play bad the next day. It will be an interesting game anyway and hopefully a good one. I'm going to plump for Derry by 2 and I think we could also beat Galway if we played them again!
all ticket this one in letterkenny this sunday @ 2.30
summer and c/ship is getting near
This could turn out to be a strange game. If Donegal win and Kerry beat Galway then i think it will be a Galway -Kerry final because Donegal scoring difference is poor. If Derry win and Kerry win then you will have 3 teams on 10 points so who will have the best scoring difference come next sunday evening. The best result for Donegal and Derry is for Kerry NOT to win against Galway leaving whoever win the Donegal/Derry game in the league final.Don't want to go into things if it ends in a draw because if Kerry win both teams are out.
Onto the game itself it should be a cracker with the Great facilities at O'Donnell park in Letterkenny getting to host another big game.I think Devenney will see some action on his home pitch and he will be looking to impress after his lay off. Competion for places in the Donegal forward line will mean every player will want to impress before championship so expect a game of high intensisty. I think it will be very close but fell that Derry have more fire power and might just shade it but i still fancy Donegal to win in Ballybofey come the 1 of June.
On a separate point can any of the Derry boys set up a challenge game between St Eunan's U 12's (LETTERKENNY) and a fairly decent Derry team for O'Donnell park directly after the senior game.I was told to try and get a team down to play our boys so any offers of help would be much appreciated.
bump
sorry never seen this thread - just in from work - sorry i started the other:-(
Anyway - I think the decision to play the last game in O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny with a capacity of only 3,800 (2,500 seated, 1,300 standing) is a absolute disgrace and the Donegal county board should be ashamed of themselves. There is no reason why this game could not be played in ballyshannon - ensuring that all supporters get a chance to go to the game. Very unsporting.
Quote from: Oakleafer1993 on April 07, 2008, 10:26:20 PM
sorry never seen this thread - just in from work - sorry i started the other:-(
Anyway - I think the decision to play the last game in O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny with a capacity of only 3,800 (2,500 seated, 1,300 standing) is a absolute disgrace and the Donegal county board should be ashamed of themselves. There is no reason why this game could not be played in ballyshannon - ensuring that all supporters get a chance to go to the game. Very unsporting.
It is rather puzzling that they would select Letterkenny for this particular game. Ballybofey would seem to be the obvious choice with maybe something like the Laois game fixed for Letterkenny. Maybe they don't want to give Derry the chance to familiarize themselves with McCumhaill Park ahead of June 1st! :P
Donegal Danny would appear to be a Eunan's man. Maybe he can shed some light on why the Derry game was chosen for O'Donnell Park.
Is there much interest in Derry in attending, given that you're always getting abuse (at least on this board) for having very poor support?
On the bright side, its only 15 miles from Derry city!
I hate playing Donegal...think they are our bogey team.
Wouldnt be convinced we'll beat you in the league and even less convinced about the championship.
I rate the manager very highly and he knows our players too well for my liking.
Wouldnt mind a league final but wouldnt be too disheartened if we didnt get there.
I'd be more worried about the first roound game....think if we can get over it we can give ulster a serious push. The most important game of our season IMO.
anyone know what the derry allocation of tickets will be??
Quote from: tbrick18 on April 08, 2008, 09:49:34 AM
I hate playing Donegal...think they are our bogey team.
Wouldnt be convinced we'll beat you in the league and even less convinced about the championship.
I rate the manager very highly and he knows our players too well for my liking.
Wouldnt mind a league final but wouldnt be too disheartened if we didnt get there.
I'd be more worried about the first roound game....think if we can get over it we can give ulster a serious push. The most important game of our season IMO.
All pretty much spot on, have thought for a while now Derry will win Ulster provided they beat Donegal. McIver is top class and knows the Derry team inside out, will be mixed emotions for him with the son playing for Derry!
Quote from: J70 on April 08, 2008, 02:11:26 AM
Quote from: Oakleafer1993 on April 07, 2008, 10:26:20 PM
sorry never seen this thread - just in from work - sorry i started the other:-(
Anyway - I think the decision to play the last game in O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny with a capacity of only 3,800 (2,500 seated, 1,300 standing) is a absolute disgrace and the Donegal county board should be ashamed of themselves. There is no reason why this game could not be played in ballyshannon - ensuring that all supporters get a chance to go to the game. Very unsporting.
It is rather puzzling that they would select Letterkenny for this particular game. Ballybofey would seem to be the obvious choice with maybe something like the Laois game fixed for Letterkenny. Maybe they don't want to give Derry the chance to familiarize themselves with McCumhaill Park ahead of June 1st! :P
Donegal Danny would appear to be a Eunan's man. Maybe he can shed some light on why the Derry game was chosen for O'Donnell Park.
Is there much interest in Derry in attending, given that you're always getting abuse (at least on this board) for having very poor support?
On the bright side, its only 15 miles from Derry city!
Since the Arnagh game last year our attendances have definitely improved. For a bad evening on Saturday we did well to have the crowd we did at Celtic Park.
3,800 tickets??!! What a joke. Disgraceful that a Division 1 game between two teams fighting it out for a NFL Final spot is played in such a miniscule stadium (can i call it that or is it just a field?).
How many will Derry get then? 500/1,000? What about the season ticket scheme how will that work out now?
The game is in Letterkenny because we are now entitled to 1 League game each year.The capacity for Sunday is 5,500 which is up 500 from the Kerry game last year. Anyone at that game would know that there was plenty of room opposite the stand and at the back of the far goals. Croke Park haven't inspected the ground since, which they should do and up the capacity to around 8,000. Anyway i think people will have no problem getting tickets, if you can't get a ticket you can watch the match from the lovely surrounding of the St Eunan's clubhouse which will be open for business. You will be able to see the whole game without having to to buy a ticket for 13 euro or £10. Please make sure you spend the money in the clubhouse because we badly need it!!! This is fact because the clubhouse is back from the pitch and turnstiles but still with a great view of the game.
On another point about venues, there was only 900 people at Ballyshannon on Sunday last. It is well known that Donegal supporter do not like travelling there for games and the crowd is alway poor. Mc Iver didn't want to play there either and the players hate it also. There days are numbered because Croke Park will soon cop on to the low revenue returns from Ballyshannon and tell the County board to stop playing games there.
GAA shouldn't be letting this match be played in LK. They should step in get the match moved to Ballybofey. They had no problems in doing that to us a few years ago when we wanted to play Dublin in Celtic Park.
A simply ridiculous situation that people will miss out on this match because Donegal don't want to play the game in EITHER Ballybofey or Ballyshannon.
Listen i can't see how any Derry fan who knows anything would want to travel to Ballyshannon. It's a complete kip of a place and the Donegal fans don't even travel hence only 900 fans there last Sunday to watch Donegal and Laois. I think 5,500 will hold the crowd on sunday unless it's a fine day and fair weather supporters from around Letterkenny decide they want to go. I have already stated that you can watch the perfectly well from the club house which is free. So stop your wineing and get into the clubhouse good and early and get a good seat close to the windows.
Don't quote me but I heard someone say work is being done to Ballybofey ahead of the Championship, which is why Donegal's last two League games weren't set for there
Quote from: Donegal Danny on April 08, 2008, 01:10:53 PM
Listen i can't see how any Derry fan who knows anything would want to travel to Ballyshannon. It's a complete kip of a place and the Donegal fans don't even travel hence only 900 fans there last Sunday to watch Donegal and Laois. I think 5,500 will hold the crowd on sunday unless it's a fine day and fair weather supporters from around Letterkenny decide they want to go. I have already stated that you can watch the perfectly well from the club house which is free. So stop your wineing and get into the clubhouse good and early and get a good seat close to the windows.
Here listen I don't go to football matchs to watch from the clubhouse. the mere fact you are mentioning that as a vantage point surely proves just how inadequate O'Donnell Park is.
What have the general attendances been like for the two counties so far?
Listen here Doire abu O' Donnell Park Letterkenny is far superior to any second county ground Derry have like Ballinascreen or Glen Maghera. You probably haven't ever been to the Letterkenny venue. As i said before the ground can easily hold 8,000 but Croke Park are only allowing 5,500 in. I still don't expect it to be a sell out though i hope it is. As far as the clubhouse goes it has the same view as anyone who stands behinds the goals at any game, probably better because you are higher up. As a matter of fact Brian Mc Iver watched the Kerry game from the clubhouse last year and keep in touch with the sideline through phone(clubhouse wasn't open to the public last year during the match but for next sunday it is).
Doire abu if you are a true Gael you will have no problem getting a ticket, if you can't then go to the clubhouse FREE OF CHARGE.
The previous poster is correct Ballybofey is closed until the championship match to improve the pitch.
J70 there was only 900 in Ballyshannon last Sunday fact.
Got sorted out with the U 12'S. Playing Glenullen after the match. I wonder if they have any young Paddy Bradley's knocking about da Glen?
What time is throw in on Sunday?
Game has a 2.30 pm throw in. There will be a one way system in operation. Derry fans should park in the town and walk out or else they can get a free shuttle bus from the Old Dunnes Stores at Lower Main Street. Donegal fans coming from west Donegal can come in as far as the O'Donnell park and turn there and park their cars facing back out towards Glenswilly. For any other information just ask.
Is the pitch out by Pearse Road?
Yes it is over past the Pearse Road. Take a right at the mini roundabout at the Ramada Hotel(Pearse Rd) .Better to park anywhere around there because the road out to the pitch will be closed at Black's Centra but there will be shuttle bus in operation.Anyway it's only a 5 minute walk out to the O'Donnell Park.
For anyone who doesn't know Letterkenny to well just follow the signposts for Glenties and Dungloe as you come into Letterkenny from Derry.Turn Left at the roundabout at the Mount Errigal Hotel.
Quote from: Donegal Danny on April 09, 2008, 01:12:06 PM
Yes it is over past the Pearse Road. Take a right at the mini roundabout at the Ramada Hotel(Pearse Rd) .Better to park anywhere around there because the road out to the pitch will be closed at Black's Centra but there will be shuttle bus in operation.Anyway it's only a 5 minute walk out to the O'Donnell Park.
For anyone who doesn't know Letterkenny to well just follow the signposts for Glenties and Dungloe as you come into Letterkenny from Derry.Turn Left at the roundabout at the Mount Errigal Hotel.
Is the pitch far from the roundabout? Would it be walkable distance from there? I've been to Letterkenney a few times but never at a match there, just not sure where the pitch is.
Quote from: J70 on April 08, 2008, 04:24:50 PM
What have the general attendances been like for the two counties so far?
Derry have been getting 3-4000 up at celtic park on cold wet saturday nights - i think the 5500 at letterkenny will be utterly inadequate although I am in favour of holding league matches at smaller grounds, this particular game should be in Ballbofey (why would a derry fan want to be dragged to ballyshannon btw?).
I think Donegal hold all the aces here too, I rate McIver very highly and as other posters say, he knows Derry inside out - maybe he'll throw the game to allow derry to be pre-occupied by an upcoming league final pre-championship?
Do Donegal want to win this one? It's a sad indictment of the current system that winning the league means so little isn't it?
derry need to go out to win this - its a chance of the experience of playing in a national final
sure its been a while since we have been in one
mciver knows all about the derry lads so no point in holding back - you never know how many of the boys in the current set up wont be involved next year so they need to make the most of it
There will be plenty of tickets available in Letterkenny on Sunday i have been well informed.
As far as the game itself is concerned i think Mc Iver will not be too upset if Donegal lose because after winning the league last year the team were not able to step back for a while and train hard for the championship.
Word is that he is going to start Conal Dunne and maybe even Devenney(man of the match on his home pitch last year against Kerry) might even use Barry Dunnion who played well in a club game last weekend.If he does then it shows that he isn't too pushed on the result, otherwise he would go with who is playing already.
Anyway hope Sunday is a fine day and a big crowd enjoy the great set up at St Eunan's and Letterkenny in general.Not much sign of Doire abu lately after i replied to his stupid comments.
Sunday's Team has now been named: Only one change from the Tyrone game, as John Deighan returns to the goalkeeper's position.
DERRY TEAM: John Deighan, Kevin McGuckin, Kevin McCloy (Capt.), Francis McEldowney, Liam Hinphey, Gerard O'Kane, Michael McIver, Fergal Doherty, James Conway, Mark Lynch, Barry McGoldrick, Enda Muldoon, Conleith Gilligan, Patrick Bradley, Eoin Bradley.
SUBS: Barry Gillis, Ryan Dillon, Joe Diver, Joe Keenan, Sean Marty Lockhart, Michael McBride, Niall McCusker, Ciaran Mullan, Paul Murphy, Paul O'Hea, Raymond Wilkinson.
Think this is cute enough from PC, if intentional - McIvor was obviously at the game against tyrone, so crozier isn't showing anymore of his hand b4 the championship, but at the same time its certainly a strong enough team to win!
Got tickets for the match last night - directions - once you turn left at the round about at the mount errigal - where do you go from there? -- anywhere to park up after this turn left at the mount errigal?
do you mcivors son on the derry team - will have any impact mcivor senior?
I think it's time for predictions....
I'm going to go for Derry by 2 points, but to be honest that might be the heart ruling the head. McIvor is a huge factor in this game and is as good to Donegal as another player on the pitch....I'm hoping Derry have a that wee bit more hunger than Donegal, and a better defence than anything else they have come up against so far.
I predict a tight, fractious game with Derry edging it.
Quote from: Oakleafer1993 on April 11, 2008, 09:35:23 AM
Got tickets for the match last night - directions - once you turn left at the round about at the mount errigal - where do you go from there? -- anywhere to park up after this turn left at the mount errigal?
do you mcivors son on the derry team - will have any impact mcivor senior?
none
Direction. Once you turn left at the Mount Errigal head on over that road until you come to another roundabout, keep left here and follow signs for Glenties and Dungloe. At this roundabout you are exactly 1 mile from the pitch. There is loads of free parking here in the retail park( Next, Argos, TK-Max, Atlantic Homecare, Lidi etc) so if the weather is good you can park here and walk to the pitch. Closest parking to the pitch Will be in the Dunnes Stores Car park opposite the Ramada Hotel. Give yourself plenty of time but as i said it's only 1 mile or less from the retail park which has loads of free parking.
thanks for the directions danny.
I am sure if your son was playing on a opposing team -it could have some psychological impact ??? ...
Quote from: Rick O Shea on April 11, 2008, 08:32:59 AM
Sunday's Team has now been named: Only one change from the Tyrone game, as John Deighan returns to the goalkeeper's position.
DERRY TEAM: John Deighan, Kevin McGuckin, Kevin McCloy (Capt.), Francis McEldowney, Liam Hinphey, Gerard O'Kane, Michael McIver, Fergal Doherty, James Conway, Mark Lynch, Barry McGoldrick, Enda Muldoon, Conleith Gilligan, Patrick Bradley, Eoin Bradley.
SUBS: Barry Gillis, Ryan Dillon, Joe Diver, Joe Keenan, Sean Marty Lockhart, Michael McBride, Niall McCusker, Ciaran Mullan, Paul Murphy, Paul O'Hea, Raymond Wilkinson.
Think this is cute enough from PC, if intentional - McIvor was obviously at the game against tyrone, so crozier isn't showing anymore of his hand b4 the championship, but at the same time its certainly a strong enough team to win!
i wouldnt make many changes to this teakm come championship (maybe diver in?) and devlin for gilligan? where is mcgolderick from bellaghy - will he be fit this year?
Quote from: Drumanee 1 on April 11, 2008, 12:04:21 PM
Quote from: Oakleafer1993 on April 11, 2008, 09:35:23 AM
Got tickets for the match last night - directions - once you turn left at the round about at the mount errigal - where do you go from there? -- anywhere to park up after this turn left at the mount errigal?
do you mcivors son on the derry team - will have any impact mcivor senior?
none
wouldnt like toi be the donegal man who flattens his son?
Donegal team
Michael Boyle
Karl Lacey
Neil McGee
Shane McGowan
Eamon McGee
Barry Monaghan
Kevin Cassidy
Stephen McDermott
Kevin Rafferty
Rory Kavanagh
Michael Hegarty
Brian Roper
Leon Thompson
Colm McFadden
Conal Dunne
A few changes for Donegal: Shane McGowan, Barry Monaghan, Stephen McDermott and Conal Dunne replace Paddy McDaid, Christy Toye, Ciaran Bonner and David Walsh.
First start for McGowan from Bundoran I think. Stephen McDermott hasn't started in quite a long time, which is a shame, because he looked like he was going to be a top class player for Donegal when he burst onto the scene in 2003 with great running and scoring power. Surprised to see Barry Monaghan back too, as it looked like McIver had settled on Eamon McGee in the no. 6 spot.
I just hope we can compete at midfield.
Quote from: gaagaa on April 11, 2008, 09:06:45 PM
Quote from: Rick O Shea on April 11, 2008, 08:32:59 AM
Sunday's Team has now been named: Only one change from the Tyrone game, as John Deighan returns to the goalkeeper's position.
DERRY TEAM: John Deighan, Kevin McGuckin, Kevin McCloy (Capt.), Francis McEldowney, Liam Hinphey, Gerard O'Kane, Michael McIver, Fergal Doherty, James Conway, Mark Lynch, Barry McGoldrick, Enda Muldoon, Conleith Gilligan, Patrick Bradley, Eoin Bradley.
SUBS: Barry Gillis, Ryan Dillon, Joe Diver, Joe Keenan, Sean Marty Lockhart, Michael McBride, Niall McCusker, Ciaran Mullan, Paul Murphy, Paul O'Hea, Raymond Wilkinson.
Think this is cute enough from PC, if intentional - McIvor was obviously at the game against tyrone, so crozier isn't showing anymore of his hand b4 the championship, but at the same time its certainly a strong enough team to win!
i wouldnt make many changes to this teakm come championship (maybe diver in?) and devlin for gilligan? where is mcgolderick from bellaghy - will he be fit this year?
I def wouldnt say thats our best team. Séan Marty to come in amd m mcgolderick as well.
Also I'd imagine Murphy has to be played in CF whenever the real stuff happens.
Looking at the Donegal team, we'll make fools out of it!
I hope you're putting your money where your mouth is Marty! :)
Quote from: J70 on April 12, 2008, 03:43:32 PM
I hope you're putting your money where your mouth is Marty! :)
O good lord no, betting on your own team, best way to get beat that is!
I'd say it'll be a low scoring game, Donegal's middle 8 are very strong. With home advantage I think Donegal will shade it
Quote from: Real Talk on April 12, 2008, 09:59:50 PM
I'd say it'll be a low scoring game, Donegal's middle 8 are very strong. With home advantage I think Donegal will shade it
Rafferty and McDermott?
McDermott is great when running at defenders, but how he'll cope against the likes of Doherty in a midfield battle is another thing. Rafferty was out of the panel for four or five years, so I don't know how he'll cope in a tough championship match, if he makes the first 15. Tomorrow may tell a lot.
I'm listening to the match on the radio here, and Derry are well on top - 7 points up and it's only half time yet. Sounds like Donegal aren't at the races at all. Against that I'm aware that McIvor is probably _very_ wary of showing any of his hand ahead of the big match in 6 weeks time.
According to the Highland Radio commentary, Colm McFadden played 50 minutes in a club match last night. However given the way the clubs were toyed around with last year by the Donegal management I can't saw I'm unhappy about this. It also seems that Ciarán Bonnar has left the county panel, but I think that's only rumour at the minute.
Maybe Donegal are trying to completely protect their hand before June, but this is ridiculous!
There are too many rusty players out there at once, we're getting hammered at midfield and Derry are winning all the 50-50s. Lets hope they get a bit of pride back in the second half. Haven't scored from play yet either.
10-3 at the half.
Quote from: The Voice Of Reason on April 13, 2008, 03:18:02 PM
According to the Highland Radio commentary, Colm McFadden played 50 minutes in a club match last night. However given the way the clubs were toyed around with last year by the Donegal management I can't saw I'm unhappy about this. It also seems that Ciarán Bonnar has left the county panel, but I think that's only rumour at the minute.
I heard that. St. Michael's brought McFadden on a sub after 10 minutes. No wonder he hasn't won a ball yet!
I hope they get Bonner back. We certainly need him.
Donegal doing a bit better now, but the damage has already been done I think.
Christy Toye on for Leon Thompson, and Paddy McDaid on for Stephen McDermott ... Derry 0-12 0-07 Donegal, around 20 minutes to go
Joe Diver on for Derry
Quote from: The Voice Of Reason on April 13, 2008, 03:18:02 PM
Sounds like Donegal aren't at the races at all. Against that I'm aware that McIvor is probably _very_ wary of showing any of his hand ahead of the big match in 6 weeks time.
quotes like this are a load of rubbish - teams go out to win
it was another chance to be in a league final for donegal
granted they will be better in the championship but nobody worth their salt likes losing
Quote from: glenullinabu on April 13, 2008, 04:10:18 PM
Quote from: The Voice Of Reason on April 13, 2008, 03:18:02 PM
Sounds like Donegal aren't at the races at all. Against that I'm aware that McIvor is probably _very_ wary of showing any of his hand ahead of the big match in 6 weeks time.
quotes like this are a load of rubbish - teams go out to win
it was another chance to be in a league final for donegal
granted they will be better in the championship but nobody worth their salt likes losing
How is it a load of rubbish when McIver started a number of players for the first time this year now that they are safe? Barry Monaghan, Stephen McDermott and Shane McGowan hadn't played at all, except for maybe a few minutes as a sub. Leon Thompson was lining out for the second time after being out injured for a year. There was a completely new pairing at midfield, while some of the players had played for their clubs yesterday. The Donegal line-up on June 1st will be quite different to that today.
I'm not saying that Donegal went out to lie down or try to lull Derry into a false sense of security - they would clearly have wanted to put in a decent performance and win the game if possible, but a league final was not high in their priorities after last season's anticlimax.
All that said, we clearly have a lot to work on before June 1st. I'm not sure what we can do about midfield as the players just aren't there in the county to partner Neil Gallagher, and if we get slaughtered in that area, it doesn't matter how good a job Karl Lacey or Neil McGee do in the backs, or how sharp Colm McFadden or Michael Murphy are up front.
Quote from: J70 on April 13, 2008, 05:07:22 PM
All that said, we clearly have a lot to work on before June 1st. I'm not sure what we can do about midfield as the players just aren't there in the county to partner Neil Gallagher, and if we get slaughtered in that area, it doesn't matter how good a job Karl Lacey or Neil McGee do in the backs, or how sharp Colm McFadden or Michael Murphy are up front.
and another real game against kerry especially wouldnt help?
mciver wants to win all the time - thats in his nature
Quote from: J70 on April 13, 2008, 05:07:22 PM
... how sharp Colm McFadden or Michael Murphy are up front....
Unusual to see those words exist together in the same sentence :P
I think Donegal will be much more sharp in 6 weeks time. Hopefully the players get down to some hard work now, and also get plenty of football with their clubs too over the next 4 weeks.
Well done to Derry today by the way! Good luck in the final!
Quote from: The Voice Of Reason on April 13, 2008, 05:21:51 PM
Quote from: J70 on April 13, 2008, 05:07:22 PM
... how sharp Colm McFadden or Michael Murphy are up front....
Unusual to see those words exist together in the same sentence :P
I think Donegal will be much more sharp in 6 weeks time. Hopefully the players get down to some hard work now, and also get plenty of football with their clubs too over the next 4 weeks.
Well done to Derry today by the way! Good luck in the final!
i think itrs very important to keep county players involved in league matches with their clubs - and not the day after county matches by the way
no doubt donegal will be ready by championship time - should be a great game
It will definately be a different Donegal side in 6 weeks, I don't think that McIver will be that annoyed at todays result, he now has 6 weeks to work on the team.
BTW great result for the Derry men, hopefully they can beat Kerry and lift the league for a North-West double.
Quote from: Gaoth Dobhair Abu on April 13, 2008, 06:35:11 PM
It will definately be a different Donegal side in 6 weeks, I don't think that McIver will be that annoyed at todays result, he now has 6 weeks to work on the team.
BTW great result for the Derry men, hopefully they can beat Kerry and lift the league for a North-West double.
any word on the venue - heard its in 2 weeks
Any of the Donegal lads have an opinion on the solution to our perennial midfield problems?
Neil Gallagher is a great fielder, and the best option we have, but he goes out of games quite a bit and isn't the most mobile.
But who the hell goes in beside him? Is Rafferty really a serious option after all these years? Rory Kavanagh? Ciaran Bonner? McDermott? They're all half-forwards!
Cassidy did well at times last year, but he is far more influential at wing-back.
What about the full-forward line? Obviously McFadden, but who else?
Was up at the game was impressed by Derry, pretty much what I expected though with Derry winning quite comfortably. Derry dominated the makeshift Donegal midfield who conceded a lot of frees after kickouts by holding and pushing. Championship will be much tougher of course as McIver was not showing his full hand there. Toye looked a handful for them when he came on, surely Donegal could find a place for him in the forward line come June 1st.
Any problems with tickets after all the complaining?
Quote from: J70 on April 13, 2008, 08:52:45 PM
Any problems with tickets after all the complaining?
I arrived about a minute into the game (without a ticket) and you could still buy terrace tickets at that stage anyway, the stand looked pretty full though.
J70, you're spot on about the midfield situation. Lots of square pegs for a round hole.
McIver has clearly used the league to look at all the options throughout the squad, and in comfortably avoiding the relegation battle while doing so, his approach has been vindicated. Unfortunately however, having reviewed all the options I'm not sure there is a whole lot to be confident about.
We have no scoring forwards aside from C.A. McFadden, and the midfield is an ongoing problem. Too many ordinary players in the squad/team, and I don't see us going far this summer. In fact in Ulster right now I would rank Derry, Tyrone and Monaghan ahead of Donegal, with Armagh being on a par with us. So I'm afraid the search for a first Ulster Championship since 1992 will continue for a while yet.
Quote from: J70 on April 13, 2008, 08:52:45 PM
Any problems with tickets after all the complaining?
No I was wrong. Got a handful of tickets from the club and could have got more elsewhere. Just a panic after the tyrone game worrying about tickets :-X
Another dissappointing game yesterday and it will be heard to see an Ulster Championship this year unless we can get a few more scoring forwards and a decent pairing in the middle of the field.
A lot of focus has been on the midfield (and rightly so) as we know that Devenney, Murphy and others can give us soem sort of forward option. I'm wondering what it takes to be a good midfielder nowadays though...?? I stand to be corrected here, but you could probably count on one hand the number of 'clean' catches by the numbers 8 and 9 for both teams yesterday... Alot of breaking ball and free kicks in there...
Also J70 - can you explain this comment to me..?
Quote from: J70 on April 13, 2008, 07:07:45 PM
Is Rafferty really a serious option after all these years?
Rafferty opted out of the panel for a number of years because he could not give full commitment to the team. Despite numerous calls from management in the intervening years, he stuck to this decision until this year. At 27 years of age there's still plenty of potential and time there. A weights program like Kavanagh is going to be a help here..
Worrying story by Chris McNulty on the back of the Donegal News today that Ciaran Bonner has opted out of the Donegal panel and said he won't be back. Jesus we could be doing with him come the Championship :-\
Quote from: Flex on April 14, 2008, 10:26:19 AM
Another dissappointing game yesterday and it will be heard to see an Ulster Championship this year unless we can get a few more scoring forwards and a decent pairing in the middle of the field.
A lot of focus has been on the midfield (and rightly so) as we know that Devenney, Murphy and others can give us soem sort of forward option. I'm wondering what it takes to be a good midfielder nowadays though...?? I stand to be corrected here, but you could probably count on one hand the number of 'clean' catches by the numbers 8 and 9 for both teams yesterday... Alot of breaking ball and free kicks in there...
Also J70 - can you explain this comment to me..?
Quote from: J70 on April 13, 2008, 07:07:45 PM
Is Rafferty really a serious option after all these years?
Rafferty opted out of the panel for a number of years because he could not give full commitment to the team. Despite numerous calls from management in the intervening years, he stuck to this decision until this year. At 27 years of age there's still plenty of potential and time there. A weights program like Kavanagh is going to be a help here..
I thought Conway and Doc won a lot of clean ball yesterday. The fact they were mauled when they came down doesn't detract from winning the ball in the first place. In fairness to Conway he has stepped up to the mark since the Galway game and if he continues in that vein he will be a definite starter come championship.
I thought Diver coming on yesterday upset our midfield dynamic as he was very eager to come straight on and start plucking balls from Half Forward which meant him jumping on top of Doc and Conway. Of course I understand that's one of the strongest parts of his game and he wants to stake a claim for a place but the management need to sort out what happens for kickouts when he is brought in. I would say the three have to take a wing each and one in the middle for it to work but it's something that needs to be considered!
why was deighan not in nets?
I was talking to him at half-time and he said he got injured in a club game last Mon night.
He did not think it was too serious and hoped to be back for the final.
I see Michael O'Neill was called in for cover
Didn't see alot of the game because i was stewarding at the game. First things first Mc Iver didn't really want o win otherwise he would have started his best team. Prime example brings Frank Mc Glynn(Donegals best player all year by far) on at half time and within 10 minutes he has scored 2 points from half back.Paddy mc Daid tightened up the full back line a bit when he came on. Toye showed a bit of what he can do when on form with 1 great run to set up a point.
Another serious point is that Colm Mc Fadden played 50 minutes of a club match on Saturday night against Termon, now is this the preparation of a team that is serious about winning a game the next day. Ciaran Bonner has left the panel and no harm because he is a clown always looking for publicity and the limelight. He fell out with Mc Iver last week after being taken off at half time.
Thought the Eunan's boys didn't shine either with Dunne a bit unlucky in the first half although he should have kicked 2 points.Any comments on the set up at O'Donnell i thought it lacked a bit of atmosphere especially from the stand where normally even at a club game there is plenty of noise.
Finally i expect Donegal to beat Derry in the championship in Ballybofey, they will be a totally different prospect.
Quote from: Flex on April 14, 2008, 10:26:19 AM
Also J70 - can you explain this comment to me..?
Quote from: J70 on April 13, 2008, 07:07:45 PM
Is Rafferty really a serious option after all these years?
Rafferty opted out of the panel for a number of years because he could not give full commitment to the team. Despite numerous calls from management in the intervening years, he stuck to this decision until this year. At 27 years of age there's still plenty of potential and time there. A weights program like Kavanagh is going to be a help here..
I was asking the question if he was a serious option to solve our midfield problems after being out of intercounty football for so long. I'll be delighted if he is, but I am a bit skeptical. Make the case yourself if you think he will.
Will be a completly different game in Ballybofey, Donegal han't near their strongest team out, like wise Derry could of brought in 5 players
I think in midfield we should perhaps just accept the fact that only Neil Gallagher is ever going to consistently win primary possession from the kickouts, so we should instead concentrate on becoming a good team at mopping up breaking ball (an aspect at which Roper is critical to our game). So taking that attitude I'd actually stick Christy Toye in midfield. For us to get any sort of run this year we need him to be in form. When on form he's the best footballer in the county in my opinion, and a couple of years ago when St. Michaels had a great run in the intermediate club championship he was lethal from midfield. Ok inter-county is a massive step-up, but he has the raw ingredients, as he'll run all day, has serious height, and importantly makes surging runs up the middle on the counter-attack.
Up front I'd hope that Michael Murphy may come through. I'd give Bradley another chance at full-forward, he's a big physical presence and high-fielding is a very strong part of his game. McFadden is the only guy up front who can score 2-08 or whatever in a big match, but I'm still very wary of relying on him. I didn't see the last couple of games on tv, but I hope that McFadden is now taking _ALL_ the frees. It was silly having Ryan Bradley taking frees (even though they were only ever so slightly to the left of the posts), as he doesn't even take frees for his club.
Anyways the good thing about this league, is that the players have always been talking about the championship. It's all about the summer for this group of players who have a lot to prove.
More interesting observations around the midfield Voice Of Reason. The first I agree with, the second I don't.
If you look at the game in Kildare this year, Gallagher/Rafferty tried to catch every ball against Earley/Brennan and got played off the park. Breaking the ball would have been the better option. In all games since, when things were going against the midfield, the ball is being broken down a lot more. On Sunday we just didn't get enough of it though. Walsh would have been another addition to Roper in this area on Sunday.
There's one reason why I feel Toye will not work at midfield. His tracking back. He gets exposed at half forward, a position where I believe it is easier to track your man. This will be even harder for him at midfield. I can't get my head around Toye at the moment though or even the past couple of seasons. In the games he started in this year (I'm particularly thinking about Kildare and Laois) he has been poor. Yet the games where he came off the bench (Tyrone and Derry) he has made an impact. I really thought that sitting out the Tyrone game would have been the kick start he needed, but his peformance against Laois proved it wasn't
Gallagher/Kavanagh will be the midfield partnership I believe come June...
Hegarty hit the right footed frees in the past couple of games. Doing alright at it too...
Quote from: Flex on April 15, 2008, 07:40:02 AM
...Hegarty hit the right footed frees in the past couple of games. Doing alright at it too...
Hmmm, I'm not too sure that's a wise thing! I just have a couple of memories of Hegarty being left to take some very important frees in the last couple of years, and everytime they've been very poor attempts. Fermanagh in '04 springs to mind right away, and there's another game in my mind too but I just can't remember exactly.
Quote from: The Voice Of Reason on April 15, 2008, 09:09:06 PM
Quote from: Flex on April 15, 2008, 07:40:02 AM
...Hegarty hit the right footed frees in the past couple of games. Doing alright at it too...
Hmmm, I'm not too sure that's a wise thing! I just have a couple of memories of Hegarty being left to take some very important frees in the last couple of years, and everytime they've been very poor attempts. Fermanagh in '04 springs to mind right away, and there's another game in my mind too but I just can't remember exactly.
To be fair, the goings-on surrounding those extra-time frees in the Fermanagh debacle weren't Hegarty's fault alone!
He certainly isn't the most reliable of free-takers from what I've seen when he's played for the county though. Personally, I thought Devenney was good enough most of the time, even when he wasn't playing well, and I'd expect he'll get those duties again, assuming he's fit.