A defensive team, in reputation only.
Donegal aren’t the cautious, spoiling side they once were. They don’t even play on the back foot anymore, they’re not really a counter-attacking unit.
They’re still effective at it. They can still file bodies back as the game demands – especially when they don’t win primary possession – and God almighty you can bet your life that they can overrun you.
Their underage teams, for a period, were all playing in the template of Jim McGuinness’ 2012 model. Physically, they were robust and immovable and tactically, they were sturdy and slick.
The game has changed though and their team has changed and Rory Gallagher has Donegal trying to take the fight to the opposition. Against Tyrone, it was they who were looking for ways through and they who committed most men to an attacking formation.
It didn’t work for them, Tyrone used 10 men to scale the pitch and left Mark Bradley inside and they swatted Donegal aside. But, if nothing, it was an indication into the change of guard in the north west.
And the manager has been brave enough to persist with the young guns who are obviously talented enough – they showed that in Division One – they just need more time.
Headed to Meath for a do-or-die clash in Round 3, they can leave themselves 70 minutes from Croke Park at the end of the game in Navan if they come out at the right side of it and Gallagher hasn’t blinked.
Instead, he’s piled more faith in the future of Donegal:
- Caolan Ward
- Eoghan Gallagher
- Jason McGee
- Ciaran Thompson
- Jamie Brennan
- Eoin McHugh
- Hugh McFadden
Seven youngsters start in a must-win match with the county and they’ve not only brought youth, energy and enthusiasm, but they’ve brought with them serious attacking intent.
Teams don’t get much more attacking than that.
Caolan Ward – who was doing so well at number 7 in the league – is selected in the corner but he admits he’s comfortable anywhere in defence.
Neil McGee was playing around the middle against Tyrone and found himself out the field against Longford too.
Paddy McGrath scored a goal against Antrim that sums up their potent threat.
Ryan McHugh is at wing back – one of the deadliest attackers in the country.
Eoghan Gallagher and Frank McGlynn are beside him – two men who wouldn’t sit still if you tied them down.
Jason McGee is an end to end, athletic big man whilst Ciaran Thompson has been one of the most free-scoring midfielders in the land this season.
Put those eight with that forward line and you’ve got a ballsy selection. One which is going to Meath to win the game – they’re not going there to not lose it.
This is Donegal now.
Meath: Paddy O’Rourke; Donal Keogan, Conor McGill, Mickey Burke; Padraic Harnan, Brian Power, Shane McEntee; Bryan Menton, Ronan Jones; James McEntee, Cillian O’Sullivan, Ruairi O’Coileain; Graham Reilly, Sean Tobin, Donal Lenihan.
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