Beggan and Patton will have a huge say on Donegal and Monaghan outcome - Gary Walsh

Gary Walsh says the duel between Shaun Patton and Rory Beggan will have a big say on the outcome of Donegal’s All-Ireland series clash with Monaghan on Saturday in Omagh. 

But the 1992 All-Ireland winning stopper says that it won’t be a goalkeeping battle in the traditional sense. Instead, he believes each’s unique take on the No 1 jersey will have telling impacts at various stages at Healy Park. 

Monaghan’s Beggan joins up with the play and can kick scores from play and from dead ball situations as good as any outfield player in the country. 

Patton isn’t as adventurous but the Ballyshannon man doesn’t feel there is anyone better out there when it comes to the ability to shred sides to absolute pieces from his restarts. 

“It’s quite amazing really, what Shaun does,” said Walsh. “One of his kicks the last day, from almost a standing position off the tee, went completely over the top of everyone and landed between the Derry ‘45 and ‘21. 

“It kind of defies logic, the distance, with so little back lift or even a run up. And Beggan, a little like (Odhran) Lynch at Derry, has that real sense of adventure, he’s a ball playing goalkeeper that can also kick scores from play. 

“But Monaghan will have some real thinking to do this week in the lead in to Omagh simply because of the way Shaun went for Derry the last day.  

“Derry’s press, the way they aggressively wanted to push up, Patton had the ability bypass that complete squeeze. Lynch was that far out the pitch on that occasion we mentioned, it was almost a goalsocring chance for Donegal right from their own restart”.

Group 4 of the All-Ireland series is essentially cut and dried, with Clare already eliminated. 

Derry on three points, play the Banner County this Saturday where a victory would be enough to see them top the group unless Monaghan, also on three points, score a more comprehensive victory over Donegal. 

Adrian O’Rourke’s side, who have two points on the board thanks to their win away in Clare, are also into the last 8. So essentially, Donegal and Monaghan boils down to the winner having home advantage in a preliminary quarter-final.

Donegal have been through the ringer on and off the pitch in 2023 but the hope is that some semblance of traction has now been found in recent weeks by the county’s senior footballers. 

Walsh says Saturday night represents another opportunity to throw the shackles off and go for it.  

Even in defeat to Derry last time in Ballybofey there were a number of pluses. Oisin Gallen was simply electric and took Chrissy McKeigue to the cleaners. 

And the sight of captain Patrick McBrearty also returning to the fray gives real hope that he’ll be in line to play an even bigger part this time out.  

“Oisin has had a horrible time over the last number of years,” said Walsh. “But I was delighted that he was able to finally show just what he’s about. The way he used the mark was so impressive. It wasn't a huge field or high mark he was looking for. 

“He was making himself available for that dinked chest high pass. And the movement to make the space for that was exceptional.  Patrick hopefully will be in a position to play a bigger part at the weekend as well. 

“They  went for it against Derry and even in defeat I was content and happy that Donegal gave it a real lash. It brought real heart back to supporters, it definitely did. They should throw the kitchen sink at Monaghan now at the weekend. 

“We have another game to look forward to regardless so they really have very little to lose. No one expects Donegal to win any All-Ireland this season. So they really have a chance now to cut loose and give it a real shot”.