The last time Donegal played Derry in an Ulster final this blogger decided, in his childhood bewilderment, to stay at home and watch his favourite ever golfer, Justin Rose, try to win the British Open as an amateur. Rose's story is an example of just how much of a struggle professional sport is. His fourth place finish as a 17 year old is still his best major finish; Young Tom Lewis take note.
Alas, if witnessing Rose’s efforts fall short was disappointing, Joe Brolly's last minute goal was too much for one 8 year old to take, and he promptly stormed off to his room. Whilst big Geoffrey McGonigle will be long remembered in the McDaid household (he came off the bench to set up the goal), Brolly holds a place alongside greats like Will Greenwood, scorer of England’s last try in their grand slam win in Dublin; John Higgins, victor over Doherty in the 1998 world snooker final; Paul Scholes who scored the goal that killed Newcastle United’s chances of winning the ‘99 FA Cup final; and Tarzan O'Brien, for the audacity of taking an FAI Cup off Finn Harps. All people who have brought tears to my eyes and taught me a valuable life lesson; sport is a heartless bitch.
Both Donegal and Derry come into this game with not only the opportunity to win the Ulster title, but to set down the marker that September truly beckons for this team. A Derry win, minus the two Bradleys, would strike fear into most teams. Another win for Donegal's "system" will have managers all over the country wondering how to overcome a sleeper hold. With the losers to face Meath or Kildare, the second chance does not look too appetizing. Those of you expecting a classic, look away now.
I saw Derry demolish Antrim in the McKenna Cup in February and I was mightily impressed. That night they mixed their usual rugged style with some good spells of football. Their half forward line worked tirelessly and in Paddy Bradley they had a go-to man. While the loss of a player of Bradley’s calibre would weaken any county, the emergence of his brother Eoin has softened the blow. His injury this week however, has mortally damaged their chances as I don't see where the scores are going to come from.
Beating Derry in the league in Celtic Park was arguably Donegal's finest display of the year. Michael Murphy was exceptional that night, and while he has been subdued so far this championship, expect a big showing from him on Sunday. Donegal's game plan has been unfairly criticised over the past year. Dare I say it, but had Dublin come up with this plan it would have been hailed as better then the Blitzkrieg. Having been (briefly) involved with the Donegal U21s last year, McGuiness' game plan is drilled into players. My biggest issue with it is that it looks very similar to Armagh, circa 2001, and that was read quite quickly. It is based on the principal of having all players, bar the two man full forward line, drop behind their own 45. This should eliminate the risk of conceding goals. Having turned the ball over, they counter attack through players like Mark McHugh. I've heard it said that he is the Park Ji Sung of the GAA due to his relentless work rate. The WADA lads should check him out; he must have 4 hearts with the amount of running he does, and tirelessly it would seem!
The best way to counter Donegal's game plan is to move the ball quickly, thus preventing them dropping players back. In Mark Lynch and James Kielt, Derry have players who can make it rain, therefore utilizing them to best effect will be of key importance. So far this championship, opposition players have allowed Karl Lacey to venture forward unopposed. Going forward he has proved to be devastating, so expect his forward forays to be stopped early.
Post by Seamus McDaid. Follow him @fbspecial on twitter
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