19th February, Healy Park, Omagh. A night that may be looked back upon as an important milestone for Donegal under the stewardship of Jim McGuinness. His tenure reached a new level in Omagh on Saturday night as his charges produced a magnificent display to outclass Tyrone.
Donegal were slow to start, scoring one solitary score in the opening exchanges. The home side led 0-4 to 0-1 after the first quarter but no one could have anticipated what was to follow. For the remainder of the game, close to fifty-five minutes, Tyrone scored two frees; the latter of these, scored by Sean Cavanagh, was the only time they raised the white flag in the entire second half. They also managed just one wide in the same period. Astonishing.
While it is only February and league is a long way away from the cut and thrust of championship, to see a Tyrone side struggle as they did, and to be outplayed, outworked and outfought as they were was quite remarkable.
After struggling early on to gain possession, when the visitors found their rhythm they looked assured and confident, attacking from deep, being driven forward by the enterprising half back line.
Central to this was Leo McLoone, who just seems to be getting better and better. He was given the onerous task of keeping tabs on Sean Cavanagh but this didn’t stop him getting in some of his trademark bursts forward. A point shortly before half time conveyed all that is good about the Glenties man; his ability to solo while under pressure while still holding onto possession is a marvel. Defenders can be hanging off him, hands coming from all sides trying to dispossess him but his close control allows him to keep going. Players often panic in these situations leading to fouls for over carrying or more often than not cheap turnovers.
Further up the field Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden were becoming more involved in an attacking sense but throughout the seventy minutes they worked hard in stalling any quick breaks from defence from Tyrone. The entire team deserve credit for the defensive effort which has led to the side having the best defensive record in Division after the opening two rounds.
As with the U21s last year, McGuinness employed the tactic of taking one of his big men out from the full forward line to midfield on the team’s own kick outs. This gives an extra target for the goalkeeper but can also create a one-on-one situation for the forward that does stay in should the ball come his way.
McFadden didn’t have it all his own way early on; despite scoring his side’s first point of the game many of his subsequent efforts were blocked down. His languid style is fantastic to watch when he’s in the groove but when shooting his style is somewhat telegraphed and defenders sense a chance to prevent a score when he‘s about to pull the trigger. The St Michaels men kept plugging away though and put in a tireless display for the seventy minutes.
The sides were locked at five points apiece at the break and after the 4,000 or so crowd were serenaded with Mo Ghile Mear by the local Naomh Mhuire club’s Scór winners during the changeover, the teams emerged for part two.
Dermot Molloy had entered the fray in the first half, replacing David Walsh, but it was in the second where he made his mark. Just four minutes after the restart, Donegal broke out of defence led by who else but Leo. He carried into the opposition half, popped if off to Daniel McLaughlin; his shot on goal was saved Brick was on hand to put away the rebound. They never looked back after that and rather than sitting on their lead they kept to their game plan of attacking as a unit and picked off point after point.
The hosts were in shock and looked to their leaders to dig them out of a hole as had happened so many times before. Cavanagh cut a frustrated figure as he tried to run at the Tir Conaill defence but was repelled again and again. The Red Hand players were losing their cool and Ryan McMenamin somehow stayed on the field after a stamp on the nether regions of the excellent Paddy McGrath. Another of their marquee names entered the action, Owen Mulligan replacing Niall McKenna but he didn’t fare any better.
Similar to the defeat to Cork in 2009, Tyrone’s primary tactic was to run the ball but almost all of their attacks were gobbled up by the hungry Donegal backs. Neil McGee, Frank McGlynn and Karl Lacey all pounced on runners and turned defence into offence. The O’Neill county still have many of their star forwards but their problem appears to getting these players on the ball; it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Cavanagh returned to the No 14 jersey where he was Player of the Year in 2008 by the time we reach the height of Summer.
The final ten minutes saw Kilcar’s Michael Hegarty make a return to inter-county action after a two-year absence. Getting up to match fitness will be his short-term objective but he showed in this cameo that he has lost none of his passing ability and calmness on the ball. His style is like that of a scrum half - he follows the play, sits back slightly but always there to receive the ball and move it on and begin another phase of play.
The re-emergence of Hegarty was just one positive on a night of many in Omagh. To see home fans streaming out of the ground well before the end was a clear sign that this is not the norm at Healy Park and that Donegal had just achieved a performance of some note. Of course this level of performance needs to be maintained consistently if its to reap rewards in the medium to long term. Another stiff test awaits next week, The Messiah welcomes Kildare and Geezer to O’Donnell park next Sunday.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
5th February - Allianz League Division 2 - Dun na nGall vs. Sligo
What a difference a week makes in inter-county football……last week we saw what was a challenge match in all but name, inexperienced teams playing a dead rubber of a fixture in front of a quiet, shivering crowd.
Fast forward seven days and the beginning of the Allianz Leagues awakens the next band of fans from their winter slumber and their season as a GAA fan kicks off. Crowd numbers have swelled, the intensity on the field has gone up a notch and the traffic coming out of Ballybofey adds a few minutes onto the journey home.
Luckily for the visitors Sligo only had a small distance to travel for the MacCumhaill Park fixture and their supporters had plenty to shout about early on as the Yeatsmen looked fit and sharp and ran at the Donegal backs. David Kelly looked to be picking up from where he left off last year; his movement off the ball and turn of pace giving Paddy McGrath plenty to think about. Kelly is always looking to run in behind his marker and allied with his ability to turn of either foot he is a real handful.
Sligo moved ahead entering the second quarter and their task looked all the more easy when Cloich Cheann Fhaola corner back Kevin Mulhern received a second yellow card and departed the contest. It seemed a harsh decision - there were plenty of hits going in throughout the field; indeed the players were enjoying the step up in fare from the McKenna Cup and FBD League, so the referee could have easily let the players at it. With Donegal down to fourteen, Karl Lacey retreated from his starting wing-back spot and took station at his more familiar corner-back berth. The Four Masters man has been revelling in a more attacking role so far this year and his piercing runs and scoring threat were missed as he was required alongside McGrath and Neil McGee. Kelly and Mark Breheny’s free taking had Sligo two points as well as a man in front as they made their way into the dressing rooms.
As Michael Murphy led his charges out for the second half, he had a word for each of his players before they made there way through the tunnel and onto the pitch. Some have questioned whether someone so young can be an effective captain but the Glenswilly sharpshooter is obviously intent on making his mark in the role. Things got worse before they got better for his team though; the visitors were scything through the defence, taking some lovely points as well as a goal from the on fire Kelly.
As has often happened in recent years, Donegal looked to Murphy for salvation. After a first half where he, Dermot Molloy and the impressive Colm McFadden alternated their roles in attack there was only one place Murphy was going to be positioned as the comeback mission was put into action - the edge of the square. High ball after high ball was pumped into the big man and slowly but surely they ate into the deficit, which at one stage was a seemingly unassailable eight points. On one occasion Murphy rose to collect a ball over the head of his marker and in one movement swivelled, pirouetted and stroked a shot on goal. Unfortunately it clipped off the post but it was a sign that the direct approach was working.
A goal was going to have to be found from somewhere and after a goalmouth scramble a Sligo hand touched the ball on the ground and a penalty was awarded. The last time Murphy faced up to take a penalty in a Donegal jersey was that fateful night in Breffni Park where he almost broke the crossbar with the ferocity of his strike. On this occasion he didn’t catch the kick anywhere as cleanly; Philip Greene in the goal saved but Murphy was on hand to put away the rebound. Game on.
It was another of the class of 2010 who made his mark on the game as Leo McLoone scored two outstanding points. One off his left and one off his right showed the class of the boy as he marauded forward from centre back. McLoone is playing a role similar to what Kevin McKernan did with Down last year in their march to the All-Ireland. Whether he has the defensive side of his game up to scratch is unknown at this early stage but there’s no doubt that he’s an exciting talent.
The teams reached parity as another goal was scored, the vision of Murphy key as he spotted Neil McGee moving in on goal and delivered a dainty foot pass over the heads of two Sligo defenders.
Tony Taylor wasn’t going to let the home side have everything their own way though and he produced a superb score to nudge his side ahead again. There was time for one more point and it was left to substitute Stephen Griffin to register the final score of a gripping contest to level matters at 2-11 to 1-14. Griffin has been a potentially excellent player for a number of seasons, his destruction of Aidan O’Mahony in a league game in Killarney a couple of years ago a particular clue to his talent. Hopefully Jim McGuinness is the man who can the get the best out of him.
McGuinness would have been looking for two points to get the Division Two campaign underway, especially as he now has only two home games left. While he will be disappointed in not having achieved that, he will be encouraged by the response of his players in the second half. Things don’t get any easier either - next up is a rematch with Tyrone!
Fast forward seven days and the beginning of the Allianz Leagues awakens the next band of fans from their winter slumber and their season as a GAA fan kicks off. Crowd numbers have swelled, the intensity on the field has gone up a notch and the traffic coming out of Ballybofey adds a few minutes onto the journey home.
Luckily for the visitors Sligo only had a small distance to travel for the MacCumhaill Park fixture and their supporters had plenty to shout about early on as the Yeatsmen looked fit and sharp and ran at the Donegal backs. David Kelly looked to be picking up from where he left off last year; his movement off the ball and turn of pace giving Paddy McGrath plenty to think about. Kelly is always looking to run in behind his marker and allied with his ability to turn of either foot he is a real handful.
Sligo moved ahead entering the second quarter and their task looked all the more easy when Cloich Cheann Fhaola corner back Kevin Mulhern received a second yellow card and departed the contest. It seemed a harsh decision - there were plenty of hits going in throughout the field; indeed the players were enjoying the step up in fare from the McKenna Cup and FBD League, so the referee could have easily let the players at it. With Donegal down to fourteen, Karl Lacey retreated from his starting wing-back spot and took station at his more familiar corner-back berth. The Four Masters man has been revelling in a more attacking role so far this year and his piercing runs and scoring threat were missed as he was required alongside McGrath and Neil McGee. Kelly and Mark Breheny’s free taking had Sligo two points as well as a man in front as they made their way into the dressing rooms.
As Michael Murphy led his charges out for the second half, he had a word for each of his players before they made there way through the tunnel and onto the pitch. Some have questioned whether someone so young can be an effective captain but the Glenswilly sharpshooter is obviously intent on making his mark in the role. Things got worse before they got better for his team though; the visitors were scything through the defence, taking some lovely points as well as a goal from the on fire Kelly.
As has often happened in recent years, Donegal looked to Murphy for salvation. After a first half where he, Dermot Molloy and the impressive Colm McFadden alternated their roles in attack there was only one place Murphy was going to be positioned as the comeback mission was put into action - the edge of the square. High ball after high ball was pumped into the big man and slowly but surely they ate into the deficit, which at one stage was a seemingly unassailable eight points. On one occasion Murphy rose to collect a ball over the head of his marker and in one movement swivelled, pirouetted and stroked a shot on goal. Unfortunately it clipped off the post but it was a sign that the direct approach was working.
A goal was going to have to be found from somewhere and after a goalmouth scramble a Sligo hand touched the ball on the ground and a penalty was awarded. The last time Murphy faced up to take a penalty in a Donegal jersey was that fateful night in Breffni Park where he almost broke the crossbar with the ferocity of his strike. On this occasion he didn’t catch the kick anywhere as cleanly; Philip Greene in the goal saved but Murphy was on hand to put away the rebound. Game on.
It was another of the class of 2010 who made his mark on the game as Leo McLoone scored two outstanding points. One off his left and one off his right showed the class of the boy as he marauded forward from centre back. McLoone is playing a role similar to what Kevin McKernan did with Down last year in their march to the All-Ireland. Whether he has the defensive side of his game up to scratch is unknown at this early stage but there’s no doubt that he’s an exciting talent.
The teams reached parity as another goal was scored, the vision of Murphy key as he spotted Neil McGee moving in on goal and delivered a dainty foot pass over the heads of two Sligo defenders.
Tony Taylor wasn’t going to let the home side have everything their own way though and he produced a superb score to nudge his side ahead again. There was time for one more point and it was left to substitute Stephen Griffin to register the final score of a gripping contest to level matters at 2-11 to 1-14. Griffin has been a potentially excellent player for a number of seasons, his destruction of Aidan O’Mahony in a league game in Killarney a couple of years ago a particular clue to his talent. Hopefully Jim McGuinness is the man who can the get the best out of him.
McGuinness would have been looking for two points to get the Division Two campaign underway, especially as he now has only two home games left. While he will be disappointed in not having achieved that, he will be encouraged by the response of his players in the second half. Things don’t get any easier either - next up is a rematch with Tyrone!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
29 Jan 2011 - Dr McKenna Cup - Dun na nGall vs Fermanagh
Donegal’s defence of the McKenna Cup trophy they’ve won for the past two years came to an end tonight with a damp squib of a game at MacCumhaill Park. Jim McGuinness brought six U21 players into his senior squad after getting permission form the Ulster Council on account of his panel being stretched to breaking point; he was unsure during the week if would even be able to field a fifteen. He threw all six of these players straight into the action, choosing to leave the likes of Neil McGee, Karl Lacey and Barry Dunnion on the bench. Of the starting fifteen only Kevin Cassidy and Frank McGlynn could be considered regulars and the first half showed a team lacking shape with no particular direction in their play. The more established names did make their way onto the field throughout the game but in the end the home side were never going to catch an energetic and exuberant Fermanagh team who were well worth their five point victory.
The Erne county are also under new management this year with John O'Neill taking the reins. Judging by this performance he has got the time playing with their usual enthusiasm and has unearthed some new talent. Paul Ward at full forward in particularly good notching some nice scores.
There were also some positives for Donegal in spite of the defeat, with Eamon Doherty putting in a confident display at full-back despite the performance of Ward. The No 3 jersey has generally been a problem position over the years, with McGee the only contender since Glenties’ Paddy Campbell retired. Doherty though played well throughout, reading the game well at times and showing strength when needed to win possession. Another plus on the night was the performance of Jamie Doherty on the 40; the youngster scored two fine points on a night when composure in front of the posts was lacking for the green and gold. It was a historicx nijght for his club as he became the first player from Letterkenny Gaels to represent the county at senior level.
A four-point win or better for Donegal would have given them a semi-final rematch with Tyrone but in truth the management won’t be too worried about missing out. That semi-final would have taken place on February 12th, resulting in seven matches on successive weekends. It would also have meant a re-match with the O’Neill county, a week before the sides will meet in the league under lights in Omagh.
Instead they will begin the league campaign next week back in Ballybofey, with Sligo making the short trip to kick off Division Two.
The forward cavalry are certain to return then with Michael Murphy, Dermot Molloy and Colm McFadden battling it out for spots in the forwards. With four of the seven league matches away from home getting points on the board quickly will be imperative and a greatly improved performance can be expected in seven days time. It will be interesting to see how much experimentation Jim will employ in the league campaign. In recent years, certainly during John Joe Doherty’s tenure, the league was used to blood plenty new players but come championship time the majority of these were back on the bench. This time around the manager is expected to stick with the new arrivals right the way through to that May 15th date with Antrim.
That’s three months away yet though and theres seven (who knows maybe more!) games to be played over the course of the Division Two campaign before then. Ar aghaidh linn....
The Erne county are also under new management this year with John O'Neill taking the reins. Judging by this performance he has got the time playing with their usual enthusiasm and has unearthed some new talent. Paul Ward at full forward in particularly good notching some nice scores.
There were also some positives for Donegal in spite of the defeat, with Eamon Doherty putting in a confident display at full-back despite the performance of Ward. The No 3 jersey has generally been a problem position over the years, with McGee the only contender since Glenties’ Paddy Campbell retired. Doherty though played well throughout, reading the game well at times and showing strength when needed to win possession. Another plus on the night was the performance of Jamie Doherty on the 40; the youngster scored two fine points on a night when composure in front of the posts was lacking for the green and gold. It was a historicx nijght for his club as he became the first player from Letterkenny Gaels to represent the county at senior level.
A four-point win or better for Donegal would have given them a semi-final rematch with Tyrone but in truth the management won’t be too worried about missing out. That semi-final would have taken place on February 12th, resulting in seven matches on successive weekends. It would also have meant a re-match with the O’Neill county, a week before the sides will meet in the league under lights in Omagh.
Instead they will begin the league campaign next week back in Ballybofey, with Sligo making the short trip to kick off Division Two.
The forward cavalry are certain to return then with Michael Murphy, Dermot Molloy and Colm McFadden battling it out for spots in the forwards. With four of the seven league matches away from home getting points on the board quickly will be imperative and a greatly improved performance can be expected in seven days time. It will be interesting to see how much experimentation Jim will employ in the league campaign. In recent years, certainly during John Joe Doherty’s tenure, the league was used to blood plenty new players but come championship time the majority of these were back on the bench. This time around the manager is expected to stick with the new arrivals right the way through to that May 15th date with Antrim.
That’s three months away yet though and theres seven (who knows maybe more!) games to be played over the course of the Division Two campaign before then. Ar aghaidh linn....
22 Jan 2011 - Dr McKenna Cup - Dun na nGall vs Tyrone
So round two of the Dr McKenna Cup on what was the original date for the semi finals. Fixtures though are changing by the day, in some cases by the hour, and no-one has any idea when we will get to a completion. That, of course cant be helped; the weather along with the tragedy in Mauritius resulting in numerous re-shuffles. Indeed the Ulster Council have been very proactive in arranging different throw-in times and venues after all the difficulties. Today though was not their finest hour.
As I was about to set off from Dublin, heading north for Omagh, I decided to have a quick check on the web for any alterations - lo and behold throw-in has been put back from 2.0 until 4.0, with a pitch inspection to take place at midday at Healy Park. Time for another cup of tea so…..
Or maybe not. BBC NI website announce at 12.40 that the game has been moved to Edendork and, worse again for those travelling any kind of distance, throw-in has been brought forward an hour to 3.0. So it’s a mad dash up the M1, through Armagh , onto Dungannon and arriving in Edendork around 2.50pm. The game doesn’t actually throw in until 3.15 so I’m in suite in better time than I had expected; certainly travelling from Dublin instead of home made things a little easier. The late decisions on venue and start time has made it a lottery as to whether any Donegal fans could actually attend. We may be neighbouring counties but there’s quite some distance to be covered getting from one to the other and this resulted in the North West contingent being measured only in tens and scores around St Malachys grounds at Edendork.
Before the game a minutes silence is observed by the crowd in honour of the late Michaela McAreavey. Her father is on the sideline and he receives warm applause from the crowd as he makes his way to the dugout after Amhran na bhFiann. No one can imagine the heartache Mickey and his family are going through but the game that has brought them all so much joy in recent years can, in some small way, lead them back to some semblance of peace.
Tyrone start off much the better and by the end of the first quarter have amassed a 7-point lead. The early year optimism of Donegal fans all of sudden seems premature, realism is the overriding thought right now. This is Tyrone after all, the benchmark for every team in the land. Cork and Kerry may argue with that statement but in recent years when the Red Hand county have hit the high gears no one has stayed with them. Monaghan and Down last year, Kildare the year before, Dublin and Kerry in 2008 etc etc.
Some of the vintage names of years gone by were on show today, with Brian McGuigan making a particular impression. Several of the Tyrone scores went through the Ardboe man’s hands, conducting the orchestra as only he can. Whether they subsequently dropped their effort or maybe it was Donegal who awoke from slumber but the next fifteen minutes saw the reigning McKenna Cup champions notch 8 points on the trot. This was achieved through their traditional running game, allied with some good kick passing into the forwards; a welcome break from the oft seen short game. Wing forward Daniel McLoughlin made a hugely impressive inter-county debut, shooting two fine points off his left - the latter especially showed great confidence and leadership on the part of the St Michaels youngster.
It is becoming clear that the Jim McGuinness’s belief than when in possession everyone is an attacker, as trialled with the U-21s last year, is a cornerstone of his gameplan in 2011. For the second game running Karl Lacey chipped in with a brace of points, the double All-Star corner back was named at top of the left with a licence to rove and he did this to good effect throughout. Leo McLoone again started at centre back and he gives the team a platform from which to build attacks from deep and hit on the counter.
Colm Cavanagh and Neil McGee got their marching orders either side of the break and their dismissals seemed to upset the rhythm of both teams but eventually it was the home side who got back into the groove, regaining the lead. Once they got two and then three points ahead they never looked like relinquishing the lead, despite the best efforts of Dermot Molloy and Rory Kavanagh.
So Tyrone’s delayed start to 2011 ends with a victory although Donegal will be relatively happy with their display, particularly as for the second week running McGuinness only had seventeen players to choose from. The rule that the initial panels named at the beginning of the tournament cannot be added to doesn’t make much sense at this time of year; managers want to play as many players as possible, a lot of players simply are not up to speed to play an inter-county match while so many others are on 3rd level duty.
At least some games got played anyway and the headache for the fixture-makers gets a bit more manageable as each weekend passes. Back to Ballybofey next week, well thats the plan as of now…. !
As I was about to set off from Dublin, heading north for Omagh, I decided to have a quick check on the web for any alterations - lo and behold throw-in has been put back from 2.0 until 4.0, with a pitch inspection to take place at midday at Healy Park. Time for another cup of tea so…..
Or maybe not. BBC NI website announce at 12.40 that the game has been moved to Edendork and, worse again for those travelling any kind of distance, throw-in has been brought forward an hour to 3.0. So it’s a mad dash up the M1, through Armagh , onto Dungannon and arriving in Edendork around 2.50pm. The game doesn’t actually throw in until 3.15 so I’m in suite in better time than I had expected; certainly travelling from Dublin instead of home made things a little easier. The late decisions on venue and start time has made it a lottery as to whether any Donegal fans could actually attend. We may be neighbouring counties but there’s quite some distance to be covered getting from one to the other and this resulted in the North West contingent being measured only in tens and scores around St Malachys grounds at Edendork.
Before the game a minutes silence is observed by the crowd in honour of the late Michaela McAreavey. Her father is on the sideline and he receives warm applause from the crowd as he makes his way to the dugout after Amhran na bhFiann. No one can imagine the heartache Mickey and his family are going through but the game that has brought them all so much joy in recent years can, in some small way, lead them back to some semblance of peace.
Tyrone start off much the better and by the end of the first quarter have amassed a 7-point lead. The early year optimism of Donegal fans all of sudden seems premature, realism is the overriding thought right now. This is Tyrone after all, the benchmark for every team in the land. Cork and Kerry may argue with that statement but in recent years when the Red Hand county have hit the high gears no one has stayed with them. Monaghan and Down last year, Kildare the year before, Dublin and Kerry in 2008 etc etc.
Some of the vintage names of years gone by were on show today, with Brian McGuigan making a particular impression. Several of the Tyrone scores went through the Ardboe man’s hands, conducting the orchestra as only he can. Whether they subsequently dropped their effort or maybe it was Donegal who awoke from slumber but the next fifteen minutes saw the reigning McKenna Cup champions notch 8 points on the trot. This was achieved through their traditional running game, allied with some good kick passing into the forwards; a welcome break from the oft seen short game. Wing forward Daniel McLoughlin made a hugely impressive inter-county debut, shooting two fine points off his left - the latter especially showed great confidence and leadership on the part of the St Michaels youngster.
It is becoming clear that the Jim McGuinness’s belief than when in possession everyone is an attacker, as trialled with the U-21s last year, is a cornerstone of his gameplan in 2011. For the second game running Karl Lacey chipped in with a brace of points, the double All-Star corner back was named at top of the left with a licence to rove and he did this to good effect throughout. Leo McLoone again started at centre back and he gives the team a platform from which to build attacks from deep and hit on the counter.
Colm Cavanagh and Neil McGee got their marching orders either side of the break and their dismissals seemed to upset the rhythm of both teams but eventually it was the home side who got back into the groove, regaining the lead. Once they got two and then three points ahead they never looked like relinquishing the lead, despite the best efforts of Dermot Molloy and Rory Kavanagh.
So Tyrone’s delayed start to 2011 ends with a victory although Donegal will be relatively happy with their display, particularly as for the second week running McGuinness only had seventeen players to choose from. The rule that the initial panels named at the beginning of the tournament cannot be added to doesn’t make much sense at this time of year; managers want to play as many players as possible, a lot of players simply are not up to speed to play an inter-county match while so many others are on 3rd level duty.
At least some games got played anyway and the headache for the fixture-makers gets a bit more manageable as each weekend passes. Back to Ballybofey next week, well thats the plan as of now…. !
15 Jan 2011 - Dr McKenna Cup - Dun na nGall vs UUJ
Well its that time of year again, first competitive action of the season. For many Gaels its largely inconsequential, but for the die hards it’s a welcome hit for their football addiction. After the barren months without inter-county fare, its back to hats, gloves, scarfs, half time cups of tea and the usual cries of ‘you’re a useless bastard’, ‘my granny would do better’ and ‘wake up linesman’ - what an association we have!
For Donegal fans its been a long wait since the humiliation of Crossmaglen in late June. Despite the numb, resigned feeling that the defeat left in the pit of our stomachs, we enter 2011 we renewed optimism with a new manager at the helm, the Messiah of Donegal football, Jim McGuinness. After his work with the U-21 side last year, where they came from nowhere to come within a crossbar of an All-Ireland in Cavan last May, there is a sense that he is the man to rid Donegal of its indisciplined, inconsistent and uninspiring performances of recent years. Time will tell of course whether that’s the case, for now it’s a wet and windy night in Ballybofey and a McKenna Cup meeting with McGuinness’ old classmates, University of Ulster Jordanstown.
Of course in everyone’s thoughts tonight was the heart-breaking events taking place just down the road in Ballygawley. An exemplary human being, a beautiful girl, a great Gael through and through, Michaela McAreavey was killed in horrific circumstances at the beginning of the week. A minutes silence before the throw in was impeccably observed, the rain falling onto the steps of the MacCumhaill Park terrace was all that could be heard. Despite the horror of the week’s events, it makes you appreciate the organisation we’re apart of. The GAA clann invariably pulls together at times of hardship - once again, what an association we have.
No other county has had to cope with so much tragedy as Tyrone - Paul McGirr, the Omagh bombing, Kevin Hughes losing two siblings, Cormac, the passing of John Devine’s father on the eve of the All-Ireland final are but a few examples. And now Michaela. Its astounding how they’ve always managed to respond to such events with dignity and strength; at the core of that has been Mickey Harte. Even in his interview earlier this week outside his home, he thanked God for good people despite the cruelty his daughter had met in her final minutes on this earth.
When the action started on the field the word ‘new’ immediately sprung to mind. New manager, new ideas, new roles. There were five debutants in the green and gold while the more established players were lining out in unfamiliar positions. Of course its hard to read too much into how a team plays at this early stage of the year but a number of things were evident. Such as defenders attacking - the home side‘s full back Neil McGee went forward on numerous occasions; the half back line constantly attacked with Karl Lacey and Leo McLoone, stationed at half back and centre-back respectively, scoring three points between them.
The midfield pairing of Rory Kavanagh and Ryan Bradley have spent the majority of their Donegal careers in the front six; having them manning the midfield again gives an insight of McGuinness’ gameplan - he wants Donegal to attack. His U21 team of last year defended as a unit and attacked as a unit, and no doubt that will be his mantra for the seniors this year. Dermot Molloy finished up with 0-6 and with captain Michael Murphy to rejoin the panel once his DCU commitments are fulfilled there is an exciting forward line to look forward to.
Donegal wrapped up the first two points of Section A by four points when it was all over. The students were ahead in the early minutes but once McGuinness' charges hit the front they looked comfortable throughout.
So a good night’s work for Donegal, they will be glad to be up and running. The more matches they have, the fewer tortuous nights remaining in the slog that is early season training. The fans have completed their pre-season and are ready for more action. Donegal face Fermanagh in a midweek fixture where the manager will hope to give a few more lads a run out. Then its onto Omagh next Sunday for what will be a hugely emotional occasion, we may see Mickey Harte patrolling the sideline once more; unfortunately Tyrone’s biggest fan will not be there. She will be fondly remembered though. Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam.
For Donegal fans its been a long wait since the humiliation of Crossmaglen in late June. Despite the numb, resigned feeling that the defeat left in the pit of our stomachs, we enter 2011 we renewed optimism with a new manager at the helm, the Messiah of Donegal football, Jim McGuinness. After his work with the U-21 side last year, where they came from nowhere to come within a crossbar of an All-Ireland in Cavan last May, there is a sense that he is the man to rid Donegal of its indisciplined, inconsistent and uninspiring performances of recent years. Time will tell of course whether that’s the case, for now it’s a wet and windy night in Ballybofey and a McKenna Cup meeting with McGuinness’ old classmates, University of Ulster Jordanstown.
Of course in everyone’s thoughts tonight was the heart-breaking events taking place just down the road in Ballygawley. An exemplary human being, a beautiful girl, a great Gael through and through, Michaela McAreavey was killed in horrific circumstances at the beginning of the week. A minutes silence before the throw in was impeccably observed, the rain falling onto the steps of the MacCumhaill Park terrace was all that could be heard. Despite the horror of the week’s events, it makes you appreciate the organisation we’re apart of. The GAA clann invariably pulls together at times of hardship - once again, what an association we have.
No other county has had to cope with so much tragedy as Tyrone - Paul McGirr, the Omagh bombing, Kevin Hughes losing two siblings, Cormac, the passing of John Devine’s father on the eve of the All-Ireland final are but a few examples. And now Michaela. Its astounding how they’ve always managed to respond to such events with dignity and strength; at the core of that has been Mickey Harte. Even in his interview earlier this week outside his home, he thanked God for good people despite the cruelty his daughter had met in her final minutes on this earth.
When the action started on the field the word ‘new’ immediately sprung to mind. New manager, new ideas, new roles. There were five debutants in the green and gold while the more established players were lining out in unfamiliar positions. Of course its hard to read too much into how a team plays at this early stage of the year but a number of things were evident. Such as defenders attacking - the home side‘s full back Neil McGee went forward on numerous occasions; the half back line constantly attacked with Karl Lacey and Leo McLoone, stationed at half back and centre-back respectively, scoring three points between them.
The midfield pairing of Rory Kavanagh and Ryan Bradley have spent the majority of their Donegal careers in the front six; having them manning the midfield again gives an insight of McGuinness’ gameplan - he wants Donegal to attack. His U21 team of last year defended as a unit and attacked as a unit, and no doubt that will be his mantra for the seniors this year. Dermot Molloy finished up with 0-6 and with captain Michael Murphy to rejoin the panel once his DCU commitments are fulfilled there is an exciting forward line to look forward to.
Donegal wrapped up the first two points of Section A by four points when it was all over. The students were ahead in the early minutes but once McGuinness' charges hit the front they looked comfortable throughout.
So a good night’s work for Donegal, they will be glad to be up and running. The more matches they have, the fewer tortuous nights remaining in the slog that is early season training. The fans have completed their pre-season and are ready for more action. Donegal face Fermanagh in a midweek fixture where the manager will hope to give a few more lads a run out. Then its onto Omagh next Sunday for what will be a hugely emotional occasion, we may see Mickey Harte patrolling the sideline once more; unfortunately Tyrone’s biggest fan will not be there. She will be fondly remembered though. Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)