McShea's Say: Patience and adaptation to the new rules will define the 2025 League

Who will win the league? I was asked that question last week, and I am being very honest when my response was that; “I hadn’t a clue”.  

The answer that was expected was that I would say Donegal, and when that should be my obvious choice with the implementation of the much-anticipated new playing rules, there are an abundance of imponderables.  

I am looking forward to what will undoubtedly be significant game changers, and I do believe that the games will be enhanced by the recommendations of Jim Gavin and his Football Rules Committee, but it is inevitable that there will be a settling in period for what is a new adventure for players and for referees.  

It is a big ask for referees to get everything right especially in the earlier games in the new campaign. Like players they are only human, and no doubt mistakes will be made. But the key to embracing the changes will be patience. To learn very quickly from the mistakes that will be made, and to make adjustments, if they are deemed necessary.

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While every manager in the country will have spent much time working with their players, attempting to become comfortable with the changes, and playing challenge games trying to get up to speed, the white heat of league football is a very different experience, and it is going to be quite a challenge for every player to get it right when the league begins.  

But change was necessary, as football had become quite boring for spectators to watch. The lateral exhibitions which had become the norm, not only in county games, but also in club football was seriously in need of surgery and I am confident that this new initiative is the way forward, and will once again make football a spectacle to be enjoyed.  

It is ironic that on the cusp of change, we were treated to one of the most enjoyable spectacles in years when Errigal Ciarán played Kerry and Munster champions Dr Crokes last Saturday in what was an epic All-Ireland club semi-final.  

The Tyrone champions were outstanding in this game, and they needed to be, as the Kerry team also played some top-class football, and it took extra time to separate these two excellent teams in what was a riveting encounter. One or two players never win All-Ireland semi-finals, and everyone in this Tyrone club gave 100pc, but the performance of Peter Canavan’s two sons was simply incredible.  

Team captain Darragh scored 1-6, while Ruairí chipped in with 0-7 points - they collectively had a hand in every score registered by their team. This game was the ultimate theatre, involving a script that was altered dramatically just as the curtain was about to come down on the final scene.  

When Micheal Burns, the former Kerry forward, put Crokes ahead with 30 seconds left, it looked as if Errigal were gone, but Peter McCartan, who hit the winner against Kilcoo, again delivered under extreme pressure, scoring a wonderful point to bring this epic game to extra time.  

Errigal plays with a common work ethic, and that is what makes this team so special. The drive and consequent refusal to lose comes from the top, from Enda McGinley, the Errigal Ciarán manager and Tyrone All-Ireland winner.  

Darragh Canavan is an exceptional talent, he has the freedom to roam as he wants, and when self-confidence is being handed out, Darragh is at the top of the queue.  

His ability to kick points from impossible positions is a marvel to watch, but I believe he works very hard at that skill. It might look easy to him, and it does, but only because of the time and effort he puts into his game.  

His brother Ruairi is equally talented, and his skill is such that, once he gets possession, he will either score himself, lay it off, or be fouled.  

Both brothers have an unbelievable knack for scoring goals, and when pitches dry out, they will play a major role in making Tyrone a formidable opposition in this year’s Ulster championship. 

Naomh Padraig’s Semi-Final Win 

In what was a great weekend for Donegal football, Naomh Padraig made history by beating Cill Mhuire to qualify for their first-ever All-Ireland junior final at Croke Park. 

Despite trailing by two points coming into the end of extra-time, Caolan Mc Colgan won a crucial penalty which Kevin Lynch hammered to the net. However, the Cork men soon equalised and the game went to penalties.  

Two penalties saved by Muff goalkeeper Oran McCauley were crucial in seeing the Donegal team qualify for the All-Ireland final on January 25 when they face An Cheathru Rua from Galway.  

This was a display of true grit from the Donegal team, and they are more than capable of bringing an elusive All-Ireland back to the hills at the end of this month.