Donegal's year perhaps?

[J70]

Donegal converted two goal chances against Tyrone, a team that didn't create a single goal chance against them.

That hardly constitutes a lucky break - both goals were particularly well taken and we've seen several teams fail to goal in similar situations in the weeks since.

In saying that, I'd prefer to play Dublin than Tyrone in the semi-final. Having beat them twice this year already, Tyrone will be forewarned about Donegal.

If the Dubs beat the 3-time All-IReland champions and are looking to a dream final against Kerry, the hype will lull them into a false sense of complacency.

They were well taken but were also against the run of play.

Both goals came from breaks, but you could say that about numerous Tyrone scores over the years. Packed defense and fast breaking were the hallmarks of Tyrone and Armagh in the last decade. We were the better team in the second half anyway, but I'll concede, for the sake of argument (I don't have stats at hand), that Tyrone may have had more possession (which they generally turned over).

[J70]

Why do you's hate it? I think the intensity they bring to a game is unreal. You savour every score that we bit extra. I can say hands down that that Donegal/Kildare game was one of the best I'll ever witness in flesh.

Are you serious? 5-3 at half time. Have you been to many matches?

Yeah, the rest of the game is irrelevant.

Fair enough J70 the rest of the game was of a much better standard than the first half but the first half counted for over 30% of the game time. It was one of the worst halfs ever played in croke park.

Do you not agree that

''that Donegal/Kildare game was one of the best I'll ever witness in flesh.''

is a bit crazy?

It was exciting yes but football standard was average to poor.

But excitement and suspense and drama are huge factors in memorable sporting occasions. And the defending by both sides was superb, as was the midfield display of the Kildare no. 9 and various other players like Lacey, McGee, McHugh, McGrillen, Foley etc. The forwards had a tough day out, partly due as well to the compromised fitness of Murphy and Doyle, but still produced some fine moments and scores. But yes, attack-fest it was not, absolutely. And I have to be honest, I would have turned it off at half-time had I not been a frustrated supporter of Donegal! Second half and, especially, extra time were just amazing though!!

How many classic games have there been though, according to your standard?

I remember a Kerry-Galway game about ten years ago that everyone at the time was raving about. To be honest (and I said so here at the time), I didn't see much to be excited about. Lots of nice scores and pretty football, yes. However, there wasn't a hand being laid on the forwards and hardly a tackle in the match. It just lacked the intensity and suspense of Saturday night's game. Even Donegal's 1992 final win over Dublin... we played a lot of stunning football that day, but apart from a brief rally by Dublin towards the end, we always had them at arm's length and I'm sure it lacked a bit of intensity for the neutral (I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the Dublin response, but that was as someone invested in the outcome).

[sheamy]

Whilst I would like Donegal to win, I dont think they will go all the way. I think they'll come unstuck when a team (Tyrone/Dublin) goes 5 or 6 points ahead and Donegal are forced to open up and attack leaving gaps at the back which the likes of Tyrone in particular would punish and pick them off on the break.

Tyrone led by 5 in the Ulster semi final, and Donegal reeled them in.

They are currently playing a bit like Meath in the 90s - they refuse to accept they're beaten.

Reeled them in?  Donegal got a lucky break towards the end of the game which gave them a win in a game which they were second best.  I honestly can't see it happening again if the two sides meet.

Donegal were easily the better team in the second half. Tyrone were far better in the first. We'll see all right if we meet again, but I can't see Donegal starting so nervously again the next day. That said, I'm perfectly fine with us being written off. We were underdogs according to many here and in the press in all three of our most recent games.

What press were you reading? Every paper in the country had Donegal as favourites for the Ulster final. I didn't see a single one that tipped Derry.

[J70]

Whilst I would like Donegal to win, I dont think they will go all the way. I think they'll come unstuck when a team (Tyrone/Dublin) goes 5 or 6 points ahead and Donegal are forced to open up and attack leaving gaps at the back which the likes of Tyrone in particular would punish and pick them off on the break.

Tyrone led by 5 in the Ulster semi final, and Donegal reeled them in.

They are currently playing a bit like Meath in the 90s - they refuse to accept they're beaten.

Reeled them in?  Donegal got a lucky break towards the end of the game which gave them a win in a game which they were second best.  I honestly can't see it happening again if the two sides meet.

Donegal were easily the better team in the second half. Tyrone were far better in the first. We'll see all right if we meet again, but I can't see Donegal starting so nervously again the next day. That said, I'm perfectly fine with us being written off. We were underdogs according to many here and in the press in all three of our most recent games.

What press were you reading? Every paper in the country had Donegal as favourites for the Ulster final. I didn't see a single one that tipped Derry.

Yes, you're probably right about the press for that particular game.

[Rois]

See this "woe-betide, we're so put-upon, no one thinks we can beat other teams" rubbish that's spewing as a result of the weekend's game, it would really turn you off Donegal (supporters). 

I think Tyrone threw the Ulster semi anyway 

[JHume]

Donegal converted two goal chances against Tyrone, a team that didn't create a single goal chance against them.That hardly constitutes a lucky break - both goals were particularly well taken and we've seen several teams fail to goal in similar situations in the weeks since.

In saying that, I'd prefer to play Dublin than Tyrone in the semi-final. Having beat them twice this year already, Tyrone will be forewarned about Donegal.

If the Dubs beat the 3-time All-IReland champions and are looking to a dream final against Kerry, the hype will lull them into a false sense of complacency.

I might be wrong but I thought O'Niell was in on goal once with a good chance but had his shot well blocked by the Keeper.

If Tyrone beat Dublin I would think they would beat Donegal well. Playing Tyrone in Croke Park in an All-Ireland semi is a complely different game and one Donegal would not be fit for.

I agree that Tyrone in Croke Park would be a different animal than the one faced in Clones. (They have the form: is it once or twice that they've lost to Armagh in Ulster but won in Croker?).

It would be a fascinating game, and while Tyrone might win, they won't win it 'well'. No one will win 'well' against Donegal.

[fitzroyalty]

Why do you's hate it? I think the intensity they bring to a game is unreal. You savour every score that we bit extra. I can say hands down that that Donegal/Kildare game was one of the best I'll ever witness in flesh.

Are you serious? 5-3 at half time. Have you been to many matches?

Yeah, the rest of the game is irrelevant.

Fair enough J70 the rest of the game was of a much better standard than the first half but the first half counted for over 30% of the game time. It was one of the worst halfs ever played in croke park.

Do you not agree that

''that Donegal/Kildare game was one of the best I'll ever witness in flesh.''

is a bit crazy?

It was exciting yes but football standard was average to poor.

Hardly crazy, just an opinion ffs. The atmosphere in CP was dead until Donegal/Kildare game. Add that in with the intensity and pressure on every pass, shot etc. Again add in the manner in which it was lost by Kildare and won by Donegal. Essentially the last kick of the game, outside of the boot having just missed a similar shot. The place went mad.

And you previously question the amount of games i go to - well I'll tell ye this, I've been to enough club games in Tyrone to know not to ever again waste £ and diesel watching shite that is essentially wrestling with a ball thrown in!

[Stevie g 8]

i reckon dublin or tyrone will win with ease in the semi.what will happen when donegal have to really chase the game,they will leave open spaces then at the back and left exposed.it,s ok playing that way when the game is tight

[Rois]

i reckon dublin or tyrone will win with ease in the semi.what will happen when donegal have to really chase the game,they will leave open spaces then at the back and left exposed.it,s ok playing that way when the game is tight

But they did that against Tyrone in the Ulster semi - they were well down in the first half and came back.  Luck or not, they still did it.   

[ONeill]

Great commentary from Radio Ulster of the last 2 Donegal points -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/the_championship/14374310.stm

[screenexile]

Think Tyrone will beat Dublin and then Donegal . . . they don't have enough natural footballers to win an All Ireland in my opinion and it's in Tyrone's hands whether they want to do it all again. I think they want it and we will see how much over the next few weekends!

[J70]

Great commentary from Radio Ulster of the last 2 Donegal points -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/the_championship/14374310.stm

Would love to hear the Highland coverage!!

[Gaoth Dobhair Abu]

See this "woe-betide, we're so put-upon, no one thinks we can beat other teams" rubbish that's spewing as a result of the weekend's game, it would really turn you off Donegal (supporters). 

I think Tyrone threw the Ulster semi anyway 

I don't see any of the Donegal posters on here reacting like that Rois!
I think the point that everyone is writing us off and belittling our achievements this year has been highlighted by Donegal posters but thats all. In fact theres a few (including myself) who are revelling in the underdog status - suits us rightly! 

[Flex]

Great commentary from Radio Ulster of the last 2 Donegal points -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/the_championship/14374310.stm

Would love to hear the Highland coverage!!

Second period of extra time in full 

http://www.highlandradio.com/sport/