Donegal must be aware of any Kildare backlash and take nothing for granted

Looking at Kildare's form in this League campaign would suggest that when Donegal play them in Carlow on Saturday evening, the Ulster side should win with a bit to spare.  

Kildare have lost their five games in this campaign, while Donegal remain unbeaten. So, Kildare’s manager Glenn Ryan needs a solid performance as he tries to guide the county out of an uncertain period shrouded in disenchantment.  

A big Donegal following turned out in Ballyshannon to support their team against Louth in what could be termed the latest phase in the evolution of the Donegal masterplan, and while progress was evident from Jim McGuinness’s side, the Leinster team put Donegal to the pin of their collar to prevail.  

Kildare have always produced players of natural skill and even though they are in the middle of a very negative run of results, a defeat on Saturday would almost certainly see them play Division 3 football next season.  

If ever a team needed enhanced motivation, that prospect clearly provides it.  

Kildare players never overindulged in deliberately negative play, but on occasions that was a reason that they have not won a Leinster title since 2000.  

There isn't a manager in any sport who hasn't felt paranoid at some stage, and for good reason too, and no matter how well things are going, there are those who enjoy causing disruption. It is the nature of the business.  

Glenn Ryan was one of the best players ever to wear the white jersey, but in recent times he has been subjected to much unfair criticism. No doubt Glenn is very aware of the rumbles of discontent echoing through the plains of Kildare, as sharp critical arrows are fired in his direction.  

If his players give him the respect, he deserves then they will make a monumental effort to win the two points on offer against Donegal and give themselves a chance to retain their division status.  

While McGuinness’s side were more than a little sluggish in the first half of their games against Fermanagh and Louth, their play was fast-moving, adventurous, and expansive in the second period of those matches.  

Doing well in the league does not necessarily militate against a good championship run. It is hard to beat the winning habit. When a game is lost it does knock a team back, so every game must be approached with winning intent.  

Five short weeks from Saturday Donegal have a date in Derry, and the winning habit should continue in Carlow in what will be another formidable test.                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Congratulations

Congratulations to the Abbey VS in Donegal Town on their wonderful achievement in winning their All-Ireland schools’ titles in Clones on Saturday beating Ashbourne Community School by 1-15 to 0-9. 

This Donegal side is littered with players of exceptional ability, and no doubt a number of this team will play Senior County football in the not-too-distant future. The top-class work at underage level in Donegal Town is clearly evident and watching their U-13 team last year in the county final against Glenswilly was a match of exceptional quality.  

To Jamie Brennan, Donegal's talented forward who was joint manager of the All-Ireland winners, we extend our sincere congratulations.                                                                                                                                         

Sympathy  

Last week Ballyshannon lost two of its favourite sons with the death of Fr Herbie Bromley, and Thomas Quinn.  

Fr Herbie was an exceptional priest who simply loved Ballyshannon. His vocation saw him work in many different countries all over the world and when he retired, he was always on hand to assist the local clergy in the town he loved so well.  

To his nephews and nieces, I extend my sincere sympathy.           

I was lucky to have Thomas Quinn as a teammate for Aodh Rua and St Josephs, and he was also part of Donegal's first Ulster championship squad in 1972.  

He was equally at home as a half-back or half-forward and was consistency personified every time he pulled on a football jersey.  

Blessed with a very warm personality he will be a sad loss to his wife Brid, daughter Marie, son John, and his brother Danny, and to his extended family to whom our sympathy is extended.