McShea's Say: Donegal get an early reality check as they learn lessons in Salthill

Some years ago, I listened to Michael Parkinson, the brilliant BBC sports analyst. Michael was asked who he considered the more complete player, George Best or Lionel Messi. He instantly said Best, and his rationale was accurate and impressive.

He pointed out that when Best played, the game was much more physical, with defenders allowed to put the boot into talented footballers without much, if any, consequence.

He also noted that Best played brilliant football on surfaces that were almost unplayable, yet these factors in no way inhibited the skill of the Belfast man.

In the modern era, forwards receive much more protection from referees, while Messi has performed on playing surfaces almost as good as billiard tables.

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Over the last two Sundays, watching Donegal has given us the opportunity to see two class footballers in action.

Michael Murphy’s brilliance against Armagh captured the imagination of sports fans all over the country. Shane Walsh’s display in dreadful conditions last Sunday, when he tore the Donegal defence apart, was football of the highest quality. To deliver such a wonderful performance on such a surface was exceptional.

The national media majored on Walsh’s superb kicking, and it was excellent, but his positional sense and ball-carrying through the Donegal defence in such conditions were a joy to watch. He caused havoc to Donegal’s prospects of retaining their unbeaten league record.

While Donegal lined out without their top performers from the Armagh game — Paddy McBrearty, Ryan McHugh, and Michael Murphy — Galway were also missing Footballer of the Year Paul Conroy and Damien Comer.

Both sides will have several changes before they meet, if they meet, in the championship.

The decision by Donegal to play against a wind of almost gale proportions after winning the toss was difficult to understand. With Galway leading by 16 points at half-time, it took an excellent save by Shaun Patton to keep it at 16 and not 19.

Donegal played very good football in their three league wins, but I was concerned about the hype in some quarters so early in the year. Speculation about whether Donegal wanted to win the league was somewhat over the top.

The strength of our panel took a hit on Sunday, even allowing for the conditions, as few, if any, of the fringe players gave manager Jim McGuinness reason to believe they would be in contention when the evenings get longer.

Galway started the game frolicking freely and kicking cloud-bursting points.

On Sunday, Donegal’s backline was statuesque, and even with the elements, the attack was infertile. Apart from Shaun Patton, Peadar Mogan, and Daire Ó Baoill, few Donegal players will remember this game with affection.

Despite the disappointing display in Galway, Donegal remain second favourites to win this year’s All-Ireland. They are quoted at 15/4, behind Kerry, who are favourites at 3/1. Dublin are next at 4/1, with Galway at 5/1.

I expect a very positive reaction from Donegal when Derry comes to Ballyshannon this Sunday for the fifth round of the league. While last week’s display was concerning, Donegal are a talented side, and no doubt, both manager and players will be eager to set Derry back before their championship encounter in early April.

I expect Donegal to be close to full strength this weekend. With Ryan McHugh and Paddy McBrearty back, and possibly Michael Murphy also seeing some action, a home win would be the tonic that our great support expects — and should realise.

Brilliant Donegal Hurlers

The result from Letterkenny, where our hurlers beat Kerry, is simply a credit to manager Mickey McCann, his players, and his backroom team — a fitting reward for many years of hard work.

I believe McCann insists on all his players rolling up their sleeves, working hard, doing their job properly and honestly, and doing it for their teammates and for future generations.

That is a positive recipe for success, and the many unsung heroes who work so hard behind the scenes in the promotion of hurling deserve congratulations for this great win.

We wish the team well when they play Kildare this weekend. When I see many of the young Ballyshannon hurlers heading for “the Park” on a regular basis to hone their skills, it augurs well for the future of hurling in the county.