BY RYAN FERRY
DONEGAL goalkeeper Shaun Patton feels there is scope for improvement in 2026 as his team become more familiar with the transformative changes to the games.
The new rules proved a huge hit with players and fans this year.
Donegal adapted well and reached the All-Ireland Final where they were disappointed to lose to Kerry.
Jim McGuinness’s team will be keen to find ways to evolve next year but they won’t be alone and teams will have 12 months of data to analyse over the winter months.
The McKenna Cup begins next month and Donegal are busy preparing and took on Leitrim on a challenge game on Thursday night.
The goalkeeping position is much changed now but Patton is relishing the challenge that will come next term.
“I think there definitely is scope to improve, and that will be the same for all teams.
“Last year, it was new to everybody.
“It was always likely to be whoever could crack the new rules best was going to be All-Ireland champions.
“You can reflect back on different parts of the season and think on what you could have done better and might have done better, and what didn’t work.
“The new rules are interesting. They bring an exciting element to the game, but they also make it more difficult in terms of my own position, the goalkeeper.
“The kick-out retention was up near high nineties for years and years and years but now we have had to try and adjust.
“You’re looking now at can you hit mid-sixties, and seventy per cent would be a really good number. That’s not easy done and it’s just about figuring out the best way to retain possession.”
Some pundits have suggested too many kick-outs are going long and that there would be more skill if goalkeepers could play it short within the arc, but Patton is happy to go with the parameters imposed.
“I’m not going to say that I would like to see it gone.
“It’s a nice challenge and it’s something different too.
“You can’t shy away from challenges like that.
“Hopefully the more you play it, the better you will get at it, and that’s all you can really do with it.”
Meanwhile, Patton says Caolan Ward was a ‘top servant’ to the county footballers over the last decade.
Ward has decided to step off the intercounty treadmill now and can take pride at a fine career.
Patton plays with Ward at St Eunan’s and knows how much effort and commitment he gave to the cause.
“It’s sad to see Caolan going.
“He’s been a top servant to the county for so many years.
“He’s played a lot of games and won a good few Ulster and league medals.
“He always played hard and still had a smile on the face at the end of the game. A tough man-marker.
“It’s a shame to see him go. He’s a fantastic player and a great addition to the panel.
“Sometimes people just decide that their time has come and he has decided to step away.
“As long as he’s happy with the call, I wish him well, especially as we are going to need him for ‘Eunan’s as well.
“He’s a huge player for us with the club as well.”
