Mission accomplished for Donegal

It was with great excitement and enthusiasm that the All Ireland Championship kicked off in earnest last Sunday, and I think it's fair to say that it failed to capture the public's imagination. Within an hour and a half, the joy of hearing the Sunday Game theme tune once again, had long given way to disappointment, anger, and cynicism.

The old man brigade on the Sunday Game weren't happy, the message boards were over run with complaints, and even the Antrim manager Liam Bradley criticised his own team, in between digs at Jim McGuinness. And to be perfectly honest, I disagree. Donegal had one agenda on Sunday, to win the game, mission accomplished.

Don't get me wrong, it was terrible fare. The standard of football was atrocious, basic skills of the game were lacking, and the negative tactics left many with no alternative but switching to the Eastenders omnibus. But somewhere, in between all the cynical remarks and negative analysis, were some extremely positive signs for the Donegal faithful.

The defence was superb. Neil McGee was outstanding as per usual, Frank McGlynn has really lifted his game, Paddy Mc Grath has rehabilitated himself after last years nightmare against Armagh. Ryan Bradley is finally fulfilling his undoubted talent, and we are beginning to establish a forward line who can win their own ball, and score themselves. However, much more importantly, we now go out on to the pitch with a game plan.

It's negative, it's boring, but it's effective. Praise the lord that John Joe Doherty's tenure is at an end. The days of getting hammered by Cork, Tyrone and Armagh appear to be at an end. Our players are fitter than ever, tactically aware and much more disciplined.

We must all remember that the objective of this Donegal team is too win Championship matches, not friends.