THIS TIME LAST week everyone seemed to be writing Donegal off as All-Ireland or even Ulster contenders.
An unhappy camp, an ageing squad, stale tactics. A week on and and all of a sudden things are looking a lot more positive for Donegal fans.
It’s just two years on from their All-Ireland win and back to back Ulster titles remember?
We take a look at the reasons why Jim McGuinness’ men have changed opinion and can now look ahead to a positive 2014.
1. Karl Lacey
Donegal’s 2013 season was plagued by injuries. Their biggest loss; 2012 Footballer of the year Karl Lacey. Hip and knee complaints restricted him to largely cameo roles, but if the Derry game was anything to go by their 29 year-old centre back is back to his 2012 best.
2. The Draw
Having overcome Derry, Jim McGuinness’ team now face a somewhat easier route to Ulster glory, and beyond.
Donegal play the winners of Fermanagh and Antrim to go directly into the Ulster final having played only two games. Tyrone on the other hand will of had to play four competitive games if they are to reach the final.
3. Derry
After reaching the final of the Division 1 league, beating Dublin a long the way to promotion – Derry were expected to be too strong for Donegal.
It was no surprise to see Jim Mcguinness set out his team so defensively early on, but in winning away from home and as underdogs – this was exactly what Donegal needed to boost their confidence. Surely they’ll build on this as they have in the past.
4. New blood
Odhrán Mac Niallais and Darach O’Connor were surprise starters in what’s become a settled Donegal team in recent years.
They’re sure to have brought some freshness to the camp, not to mention quality. Mac Niallais managed 2-7 in his eight starts during this year’s league, while Darach O’Connor showed that his pace and enthusiasm will be a valuable asset this year. Ryan McHugh like O’Connor (and Paddy McBrearty) was on this year’s U21 team, while 22 year old Luke Keaney was also introduced on Sunday.
Darach is the son of the famous Roscommon footballer ‘Jigger’ O’Connor and Donegal will hope he dazzles defenders as much as his Dad did.
5. Backs up
Before the 2012 season Jim McGuinness dropped Kevin Cassidy. The two time All-Star was arguably their best player. The Donegal boss was being criticised for his overly negative tactics and looking in from afar, all was not well in the camp. But in fact Donegal seemed to use the controversy to bring their panel together. The rest is history.
Although Mark McHugh will be a loss, and the media attention that came with his (and the other three player’s) departure may appear as a negative; we have seen before that it may be the complete opposite.
6. League form
After a disappointing league final performance against a Monaghan side who had beaten them in the 2013 Ulster final, Donegal’s league was branded a disappointment.
In 2011 Donegal followed up on Division 2 league success with an Ulster title, while in 2012 they remained competitve in Division 1.
Last year they followed up on a dismal league campaign in which they were relegated with a disappointing championship. So if league form continues to transpire into the championship for Donegal they can be pretty positive about the summer ahead.
A bit too early to break out this though is it…
