Paddy McGrath enjoying ‘hands-on’ approach alongside Donegal U-16 boss Karl Lacey

Paddy McGrath says it’s been a real eye-opener being part of Karl Lacey’s Donegal U-16 managerial backroom team.

The Ardara man and another 2012 All-Ireland winner, Neil Gallagher, were two very visible and indeed vocal presences along the perimeter at the GAA Centre in Convoy on Saturday in the side’s 0-20 to 4-8 draw with Monaghan.

And speaking after a result that now qualifies Donegal for the last four in the Buncrana Cup, McGrath explained just how that environment is progressing under the watchful eye of Lacey.

“There is a lot we can work on after today but it was brilliant to see us claw ourselves back and get the point that means we progress on. That means we’ll top the group so we’re content enough with that.”

In relation to the work being done alongside Lacey and what is a pretty impressive supporting cast, McGrath says the new Football Review Committee (FRC) playing rules means the scope to have a real influence is now there.

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“We have the likes of Danny O’Donnell there too, Paddy McGarvey, Kevin Mills, Aaron Kyles, Alan Lyons and even Paul Durcan are all helping out. There are a few others as well.

“I’m enjoying it and it’s a real learning curve. It’s been brilliant and the really impressive thing for me is seeing the improvement in the players, individually and collectively, in the last while.

“Myself and big Neil were talking about just how good they are at taking on information and then applying that. It’s much quicker than we ever did.

“The set-up here, and just the level that’s expected now with Donegal, these lads are all looking to progress on.

“Karl brings a certain level to things and just the standards and levels have really impressed me.

“The new rules, they broaden the scope of all of that. It means there is even greater value now in areas of coaching that you hope your own experiences, good and bad, lend themselves to.

“Like I said, even as coaches, because of all of that, we’re learning as we go as well. It’s hands-on and it’s been a real eye-opener so far but a very enjoyable one.”