Clubs can instigate real change at Convention - Eamon McGee

Eamon McGee believes the clubs of Donegal have a real opportunity to plot the way forward when their delegates attend annual convention next Wednesday evening.

The 2012 All-Ireland winner admits he was pleasantly surprised when the list of nominations for the various executive positions were first released a fortnight ago.

However, he says areas like the disintegration of the Karl Lacey-led Academy as well as the current review still hovering over the county need the utmost attention when 2024 gets under way.

“The list of names going forward are really impressive,” he said. “The appointment of Jim McGuinness as senior football team boss seems to have really stirred people.

“I remember Damien Diver saying Jim’s return can’t simply be a bandaid to cover over some other really outstanding issues.

“But I do believe there is a direct correlation between Jim stepping up to the plate and others now looking to do likewise at Convention.

“And like I explained, the Karl Lacey situation as well as the review, I hope these fresh faces get the chance to really address all of that if and when they get their feet under the top table”.

McGee hopes that clubs have some real discussions in the lead-in to Wednesday evening at Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey, and that their delegates are on the one wavelength and page on the night.

“I hope clubs have taken ownership of all of that - that they mandate their delegates. And listen, this isn’t a criticism of anyone else’s time or effort.

“We all just want the best for Donegal and the best and most capable people driving that ambition.

“2024 is a huge year, on and off the field. We have to still really weigh up the Academy fallout and we have the Croke Park review and what it highlighted.

“And I think the only way we really get stuck into all of that is from a new perspective, new faces and new energy.

“With all that’s come to light in the last 12 months, I still don’t think the current crop have brought any real energy to those previously mentioned issues. Maybe the will and want, for whatever reason, still isn’t what it should be.

“I think there is a bubble there, a comfort zone. And if that bubble or its make-up is threatened, it bands together. We seen that with Karl Lacey’s situation. Instead of being open and transparent, the wagons circled and the shutters went up even more.

“Again, I want to avoid criticising because amateur people are giving up so much of their own time in so many of these county board roles.

“The Academy handling, with some give and take there, could have been handled so much better.

“And I think looking through the list of potential names wanting to get involved next year, there is potential now to do so much better. We have so many good administrators in this county that haven’t been previously been prepared to get involved at county level.

“I know some have tried to in the past but it’s probably felt like something of a closed shop. But what is there now, the people looking to come on board, are all really capable and professional people.

“Right away, seeing the calibre of Mary Coughlan (chairperson) and Mary McHugh (assistant secretary) coming in unopposed, that sparks real optimism. But like I said, clubs now have the chance, responsibility even, to make sure more are added”.

If Donegal clubs don’t take a leap of faith and the broad status quo remains, McGee fears that experience might act as a real deterrent to others looking to get involved in the future.

“I think Convention has the potential to show us what we’ve really learned in the last 12 months. People are prepared to step up to the plate. I think clubs now need to show similar bravery in directing their delegates on the night.

“Because if that’s not rewarded, then those same people might become completely disillusioned and we’ll never see those same hands up again. We can’t drop the ball and squander the opportunity that’s there”.