Donegal Still Have More to Give Lee Keegan believes Donegal has plenty of reserves to tap into as they head into the crucial stages of the All-Ireland senior football championships, even though their manager has raised concerns about the demanding schedule. Donegal impressed with a powerful second-half comeback in their quarter-final against Monaghan, overturning a seven-point deficit at halftime to secure a 1-26 to 1-20 win.
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Dealing with a Tough Schedule Manager Jim McGuinness has voiced his frustration about the tight fixtures and heavy travel demands placed on his team throughout the championship. Their win over Monaghan was Donegal’s ninth match of the season, a run that began in the Ulster preliminary round and included a quick turnaround after their win over Louth just six days before.
Keegan Impressed by Donegal’s Energy Speaking on the RTÉ GAA Podcast, Lee Keegan shared that Donegal appeared fresh despite their challenging schedule, highlighting how impressed he was with their fighting spirit at Croke Park. Scoring 1-15 in the second half was a significant achievement, and Keegan noted that the team’s mindset made it look as if the short turnaround had no effect on them. He pointed out Michael Langan’s quiet first half, crediting Monaghan’s defense, but emphasized how Langan’s goal shifted the momentum, leading to a strong performance afterward.
Unsung Heroes and Areas to Improve Keegan praised Shane O’Donnell, noting that although he doesn’t often get the recognition he deserves, his work rate and four excellent points were key in Donegal’s win. However, he mentioned that consistency remains a challenge for Oisin Gallen, who starts games strongly but can fade before coming back into the action. Keegan believes that Gallen’s talent and accuracy are clear, and it’s about finding consistency to make him even more impactful.
Positive Signs for McGuinness Despite the challenges, Keegan feels McGuinness will be happy with the performance against Monaghan while recognizing there is still room for growth. Donegal’s direct running style remains difficult to counter, and although they may need to kick the ball more at times, the energy from young players like 22-year-old Ciaran Moore and 19-year-old Finnbarr Roarty shows that Donegal’s squad is thriving even with a tight schedule, positioning them well for the remainder of the championship.
