By Michael McMullan
STORM Éowyn said no to Donegal’s visit to Kerry on Sunday but they’ll get their 2025 off the ground with the visit of Dublin on Saturday night.
Jim McGuinness didn’t even need to release his squad, leaving us all pondering what his latest Donegal model is going to look like.
However, no game is a disadvantage. There is no substitute for seeing the rule enhancements up close. History tells us how hard two points are grinded for in an eight-team league.
There have been reports of Oisín Gallen being in tip top shape. Razor sharp. Has he brought himself to the next level. Saturday will tell us a bit more.
Dublin clocked up 1-17 in an open contest against Mayo with Sean Bugler kicking a staggering 0-7. He has bought his ticket to the ball.
It’s hard to see Dessie Farrell throwing Con O’Callaghan into the equation. They’ve more young guns to sift through.
A glance at their side from last weekend and it will be an excellent test for a Finbarr Roarty or a returning Odhrán McFadden Ferry. In a game when 1v1 defending is on its way back, a handful of games will help Donegal.
It will be their middle eight players who carry the keys. They’ve always prided themselves on high octane running. Think Frank McGlynn.
In his media dealings to date, McGuinness has asked why an extra substitution wasn’t added to the FRC’s enhancements.
On watching the solo and go in operation last weekend, it’s hard to argue against his point. Donegal in their pomp would thrive in the rule.
It’s early to be mentioning Sam Maguire in a January piece of writing but Donegal are in the conversation. Will they have a plan for the summer?
They’ll hardly show it on Saturday. It won’t stop people peeking in to see how their engine is ticking. The game of the weekend.
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