McShea's Say: Donegal’s triumph over Dublin sets a positive tone for league campaign

For many years, I have spent very enjoyable times in MacCumhaill Park, both playing for Donegal and supporting them and Saturday’s National Football League opener against Dublin was yet another occasion to savour.  

The 12,500 fans who braved the weather to support their teams played a significant role in creating an atmosphere that is normally reserved for championship football. As always, the Dublin supporters in attendance contributed to an evening to remember. 

Managing such a large attendance is never easy, but once again, the stewards on duty excelled with their courtesy and professional approach, playing a major role in making the occasion most enjoyable.  

Dublin and Donegal games are occasions that ignite the imagination of football lovers. Most of all, there is the unique and traditional rivalry between the counties that lends an explosive atmosphere. And for managers Jim McGuinness and Dessie Farrell, losing is not an option. 

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Dessie Farrell’s world is now populated by a group of young men who, on Saturday night, went out to play for their county’s honour in cold, driving rain.  

Dessie has spent many years in the Dublin dressing room, both as a player and a manager, where the scent of embrocation has lingered in his nostrils for a very long time. He understands the fears, worries, and insecurities of players as well as, if not better than, most managers.  

Football management is an unforgiving world, where every mistake becomes magnified in the cold light of a new day. For both Jim McGuinness and Dessie Farrell, remaining in this world year after year means that criticism and condemnation will inevitably follow, as surely as night follows day. 

However, after an extremely enjoyable game of football between two teams well-schooled in the new rules, no one in the large attendance could find fault with either manager.  

Dublin, a team in transition, showed no signs of any impending decline. They played some very good football, and I will be more than a little surprised if they are not once again the team to beat in Leinster when the championship comes around. 

There was much to admire about Donegal’s display in securing the victory. They adapted to the new rules exceptionally well, confirming the reports from training that their preparation for this league campaign has been ultra-professional.  

For the second week running, there was practically no issue with the rule changes. As a spectacle, this was highly entertaining, and both sets of supporters left Ballybofey with a smile on their faces. 

In winning on Saturday night, Donegal had some exceptional individual performances. Daire Ó Baoill was superb, especially in the first half. He was strong, durable, and resilient — an intense competitor. His four scores, two of which were two-pointers, were crucial, particularly in a first half where the home side, despite wind advantage, were less than accurate with their shooting.  

At full-back, Brendan McCole delivered another solid performance. Brendan is the type of footballer whose performance rarely fluctuates. Whether in wind or calm, rain or shine, summer or winter, McCole’s consistency is admirable. 

Oisín Gallen is blessed with everything needed for success in a physical contact sport. He looks like a man who has spent much time in the gym over the winter. He has brilliant hands, uncanny control, bottomless stamina, and matchless kicking ability with both feet.  

His display, particularly in the second half when he was most needed, was superb. He showed the large attendance exactly why he is an All-Star. 

Our other All-Star, Peadar Mogan, played with extraordinary determination. Peadar plays as if he is always enjoying himself, and with his pace and ability to read the game so well, Donegal will expect another special year from him. I do hope that when he pulled up late in the game with what appeared to be a hamstring issue, his injury is not long-term.  

Hugh McFadden also won plenty of vital ball and used it very well in an impressive display, while Shaun Patton made an excellent save at a crucial moment when a goal could have been the game’s defining score. 

This was a positive beginning to Donegal’s league campaign, and next Saturday, they face Kerry in Killarney. Kerry got out of jail in Celtic Park against Derry last Sunday when late goals saw them fortunate to overcome Derry. They had Páudie Clifford back last week, and I would not be surprised if David Clifford appears against Donegal. 

Against the elements in Ballybofey, Dublin closed the gap to just one point early in the second half. However, it was then that Donegal showed great resolve, raising their game and deservedly keeping the points at home. If some of the squad’s injuries improve, no doubt there will be several changes in Saturday’s line-up. However, with the intensity shown against Dublin, another two points this Saturday should be attainable. 

Sean McCormack 

One of Donegal’s best footballing men, Sean McCormack, celebrated his 90th birthday last Saturday. He marked the occasion early by supporting Donegal against Dublin on the night.  

A player of immense talent, Sean has been a wonderful supporter of Donegal GAA for a lifetime, both on and off the pitch. 

In sending our congratulations to Sean, we look forward to seeing him in MacCumhaill Park for many more years to come.