James Daly confirms Donegal ladies planning without key duo for 2025 

New Donegal senior ladies boss James Daly has confirmed that ace duo Niamh McLaughlin and Amy Boyle-Carr won’t be part of his set-up this season. 

The shift in the AFLW calendar in Australia, as well as an expansion of teams and games, has resulted in an overlap with the latter stages of the LGFA championships. 

There are 45 of the top LGFA stars currently playing Aussie Rules and it’s a talent drain that will deny Donegal two of its top stars. 

Armagh native Daly - who came on board in mid-December after the shock resignation of John McNulty - admits that the pair’s absence is a blow but not an unexpected one. 

“The AFLW clash is a blow to us and a lot of other inter-county set-ups,” he explained. “The two girls are committed to Aussie Rules this season. Pre-season now starts out there at the beginning of April so it’s just not feasible. 

“Listen, they’d love to continue to do both, I’m sure. But there has been a restructuring out there now and we just have to get on with it. It’s frustrating but we at least know where we’re at and can move forward now”. 

He added: “I’m delighted to be on board. I hadn’t planned on getting back involved but when a job like the Donegal one becomes available you don’t turn it down. 

“Yes, it’s a period of transition but it’s still a very talented, young and energetic squad. So it’s a challenge we’re all looking forward to”. 

Daly says backroom team members Bernard McGeehan and former star Karen Guthrie have already given him an accelerated insight into the current crop and even what’s on the fringes of the set-up and looking to make a breakthrough. 

“Bernard really knows the LGFA scene in Donegal and is an experienced coach himself. I’m delighted he’s on board. He knows every single player in the county. It was paramount coming in so late that I’d someone like Bernard beside me. 

“Karen Guthrie as well… Karen is a legend of the game and her direction, her assistance with our forwards will be invaluable. She’s a brilliant communicator. Katy Herron is another that’s really stepped up to help bridge those gaps early on”.

Meanwhile, Daly says the door hasn’t been shut on anyone, young or old, and he’s will continue to have conversations with a number of experienced campaigners he says still have plenty to offer at this level.  

“It would be silly not to explore that but we start off now in two weeks time in the league away to Clare. 

“Cork and Galway have dropped down which makes it even tougher.  But you have to aspire and aim high. We’ll be doing that in the league”.