Donegal Retain the Anglo Celt Cup

History was made in Clones yesterday, as Donegal retained the Anglo Celt Cup for the first time in their history. The scoreline may have flattered Donegal in the final, but they are certainly deserving winners of the Ulster championship.

While there were scenes of jubilation on the pitch afterwards, it was interesting that the majority of the players’ reactions were subdued. That may have been due to the comfortable manner of victory, however you get the impression that the panel are thinking bigger than an Ulster title this year.

There was a great buzz after the match with some people suggesting that this could be the year that Sam returns to the hills. Today, www.Hoganstand.com has elevated Donegal to the best team in the country in their rankngs. As a fan, who has encountered years of frustration watching the Tir Chonaill men, it’s great to see them rated so highly. But I don’t think they have earned the right to be put ahead of established teams like Cork, Kerry or Dublin yet.

Tyrone’s dismal showing in Killarney diminishes Donegal’s victory against them slightly. They were not even close to the level Kerry were at, and this raises the question, should Donegal have beaten Tyrone by more? Kerry will still have a huge say on the destination of Sam this year, and the longer Donegal avoid the men from the Kingdom, the better.

The big worry for Donegal from yesterday’s game will be how they struggled at midfield. Ambrose Rogers and Kalum King dominated the middle sector in the first half and the Down players were quicker to the breaking ball. Against a team with better forwards, the game could have been away from Donegal by half-time.

The importance of Neil Gallagher cannot be overstated. It’s remarkable that the Glenswilly man wasn’t even a regular starter in the team before last year’s Ulster final, and now he is one of Donegal’s most important players. He may not be the most athletic, but his competiveness on opposition’s kick-outs is vital. Donegal need him to be fit for the quarter-final.

When things were going against Donegal in the first half, Ryan Bradley was the man who showed the leadership required. He created Leo McLoone’s goal, with a great catch and pass. He drove at the Down defence with pace and vigour and they couldn’t contain his bursts. Despite Donegal’s defensive inclinations, he nearly always tries to move the ball forward, and he is willing to take on the responsibility of bringing Donegal up the field.

Down pierced holes through the Donegal rear-guard and they should have scored two goals in the first half. Rogers caused huge problems running through the middle, much like Tyrone did in the semi-final. If the Donegal defence keep giving away these chances, eventually they will be punished.

It was interesting that Donegal, once again, played with the wind in the second half. Donegal have played at Clones four times under Jim McGuinness and each time they have played towards the town end in the first half. Their policy is containment in the opening period. They don’t have to chase the game, they just have to ensure that they are within a point or two of their opponents at half-time.

The players slow the game down, and stop the opposition building up any momentum. They know that if they are close at half-time then their fantastic fitness levels will help them pull away in the second half and they will be able to take their scores easier as the game opens up more.

Down were poor, but Donegal’s battling qualities have to be commended. A key moment arrived as Kalum King collided with Frank McGlynn in the first half. King is a cage fighter and is twice the size of the Glenfin man, but his big hit did more damage to himself than McGlynn. The wing back’s response was emphatic. He was straight back on his feet, prepared for any physicality Down provided, and ready to give it back twice as hard.

McGlynn was fantastic again, and he should pick up the Ulster championship player of the year. He showed his class and composure to score the second goal with the outside of his right boot. Two other defenders, Anthony Thompson and Declan Walsh, could also have scored goals, and this emphasises how McGuinness has reformed Donegal. They had 11 different scorers from play, and they are not as reliant on Michael Murphy and Colm McFadden, as they used to be. All the players are expected to be able to take a score.

To score 2-18 in an Ulster final is phenomenal shooting, yet Down’s defence is poor and even though Donegal only scored 1-5 in the first half, they looked like they could cut Down open at any time. The six day turnaround may prove difficult for Down, and I wouldn’t fancy them against an in-form Tipperary.

Ultimately, Donegal can only beat what is in front of them. It is not Jim McGuinness’ fault that the standard in Ulster is not as strong as it was a few years ago. He has done a superb job to transform this panel of players, and we now head for the capital full of optimism and belief. The journey continues.