Seven things we've learned from Donegal's National League approach so far

McGuinness highlights early 2026 trends

Jim McGuinness believes teams are pressing higher up the pitch than ever before and placing an even greater importance on two-point scores at the start of the 2026 campaign.

Following Donegal’s four-point win against Kerry, McGuinness explained that embracing all of that depends on the personnel available on any given weekend.

Referencing Shane O’Donnell’s hunting down of a deep-lying and stranded Shea O’Shea and forcing the Kerry man to eventually overcarry, McGuinness agreed it’s something for sides to really be brave about and go after.

“We are seeing a lot more of it, to be honest with you

“I think there’s a lot more going on this year than last year, definitely. I think that teams are getting more switched on to what’s a full-court press in basketball.

“You’ve got to get there. You’ve got to be intensive. You’ve got to be disciplined as well.

“There’s no point getting people in a really good spot and giving away free kicks. We were overzealous a couple of times in the first half when we felt we could have got turnovers.

“And then we did get them in the second half. I think that’s happening across all the games, to be honest with you.

“And I think you’re probably going to see more of it as well. Once people start understanding the facts. I would say so, yeah.

“And people will have an idea of what they want to do, but linked to who you have available. Do you know what I mean?

“So I think for all the tactics regarding the new rules, it’s around your own personnel and what you feel that you can do.

“And then a leap of faith on some of them, because you understand what they’re doing.”