Paddy Carr says Donegal player juggle has been frustrating

Donegal boss Paddy Carr admits that the fixtures ringer many of his squad are currently being put through has left it very difficult to run a fair rule over a number of those on the fringes. 

County, colleges and even the delayed 2022 U-21 A club championship has meant that some have had to juggle commitments to three different sides and all in very close proximity. 

The most extreme example in all of that is probably Jamie Grant. Between Donegal, Termon and DCU, Grant clocked up his fifth appearance in just seven days, coming on as a 40th minute replacement, as Carr’s men lost out to Monaghan 2-7 to 0-15 in the McKenna Cup in Ballybofey.  

Youthful Donegal show glimpses in the rain in narrow loss to Monaghan

Paddy Carr's first home match as Donegal manager ended up in defeat to Monaghan, who kicked the last two scores in the rain at MacCumhaill Park, on a night when there were five debutants

“It is frustrating, there is no point saying otherwise,” said Carr. “But it’s the hand we’ve been dealt. The decision by the GAA not to allow intercounty games in December, I don’t think that was fully thought through. Management teams that have been in place for a while, they’re obviously at an advantage. 

“We’ve having to get to know our group and they are also doing their best to interpret and take in all of that new direction. We’re trying to change certain habits and create other ones. But habits are hard to make and they’re hard to break. 

“On the field, in the dressing room and in training that message is being put across all the time”. 

With their interest in the McKenna Cup at an end, attention now turns completely to the NFL and Donegal’s opener at home to Kerry, in MacCumhaill Park, on January 29. 

With every point at a premium there, it’ll be interesting to see who and, indeed, how many, have caught the eye in the last number of weeks and will be afforded game time when the real action gets under way.  

“It’s a massive step up from this point on,” agreed Carr. “There is a fine balance there, in terms of picking up points and giving lads their opportunity.  And getting that right can be difficult. 

“Division 1 of the NFL will be a dogfight. That is one of the few certainties on the road in front of us. It’s our ambition to not alone stay in Division 1 but to thrive in it. We’re attempting to uncover options,  four or five lads that might be ready to make that progression on.  

Two Donegal players had a night to remember in the McKenna Cup as they turned 21

Johnny McGroddy and Kieran Tobin were both born on the same day - January 11, 2002 - and tonight the Downings forward made his first start for Donegal, while the St Eunan's defender made his senior debut

“If we get any more than that then it’s an added bonus. Some of those coming onto the fringes are still in the early part of their development. So for some, the aim is of course going to be more long term”.

Donegal do have some notable big hitters to come back into the mix. However, there is some stealth attached to who are maybe carrying injuries at this time and the ones that are just being afforded that little extra rest time.  

“There are all kinds of moving parts to this right now," said Carr. "But it’s all geared towards having as many options available to us come the end of the month and the start of the League”. 

Following on from Ciaran Thompson in Down, Daire Ó Baoill led Donegal out against the Farney men. Carr was again unforthcoming in relation to who will permanently captain the side for 2023. But, he says, that decision has now been made.   

“The next time I’m speaking to you guys, and that will be in the coming days, we’ll be able to confirm who our captain will be for 2023. We haven’t announced that yet but we will in the next few days”.