By Frank Craig
Kevin Cassidy says Donegal need to offer something different in this season’s Championship and finally putting talisman Michael Murphy on the edge of the square would represent just that.
Gaoth Dobhair’s three-time All-Star believes Declan Bonner will have enough physicality around the middle third by the time Armagh and April 24 rolls about.
Cass says that as well as giving Donegal a “fearsome” focal point, it would also bring the likes of Patrick McBrearty, Jamie Brennan and Oisin Gallen much more into the frame.
“I think it’s time,” he said. “Michael’s emptied the tank for Donegal for so many years. If he’s put on the edge of the square and told not to roam, just imagine the questions that asks of the opposition?
“If he goes to the edge of the square and stays there, he becomes the most dangerous player in the country. As well as that, who ever is playing inside or off him will suddenly see a huge increase in the chances and opportunities that come their way.
“I watched Patrick the last day and his head was down. He knew he was going to have to carry things all on his own once more up top. And it’s thankless. If sides only have to worry about Patrick up top, they’ll simply double mark him or sweep in front of him.
“If Michael was in beside him Patrick would also be able to show what he’s really all about. I think now is the time for that move.”
He added: “If Donegal have everyone available come Championship, their big men like Hughie (McFadden), Michael Langan, (Ciaran) Thompson, Jason (McGee) and big Caolan (McGonagle), then Donegal don’t need Michael out there.
“He’s had some niggles in recent times and the shift being asked of players in that middle third now is serious. But if Michael was inside, and was picking and choosing his moments, Donegal’s potential increases massively on what it currently is.”
Meanwhile, the former Tír Chonaill star admits that while Donegal’s NFL campaign has been far from convincing so far, he also argues that historically, Tír Chonaill have never really pulled up trees in Division 1 anyway.
Cassidy was of course part of Brian McIver’s team, which went all the way back in 2007. The win spurred belief and optimism ahead of that year’s Ulster SFC.
But while a perhaps fortunate first round win was secured over reigning champions Armagh in Ballybofey, Donegal were eventually hammered 2-15 to 1-7 by Tyrone in the semi-finals.
Under Jim McGuinness, Donegal contested two top flight campaigns in four years. In 2012, their All-Ireland winning year, the side finished third from bottom and just escaped the drop by a single point, thanks to a last day win over Armagh.
The following season, the team’s fate would also be decided in their final outing as Dublin – in a seriously nasty encounter – relegated Donegal in MacCumhaill Park.
Cassidy says he understands the current concerns and worries supporters are harbouring. But he feels the squad’s current injury woes will be the management’s real concern at this moment.
“If everyone is back and ready for Armagh, and we stay up, that’s enough. Can anyone really remember last season’s League results off the top of their head? Fast forward six weeks and if we get over Armagh no one will be looking back at any of this.
“At the minute it’s the be all and end all. And the fact that Armagh are going so well is probably making some Donegal supporters nervous. But when they do finally tangle in Ballybofey, it’ll resemble nothing we’re seen in the League to date. It’s a completely different animal. Ultimately, it’ll be what Kieran McGeeney and Declan Bonner will be judged on.”
Allianz Football League Roinn 1
|
Pos |
Team |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Kerry |
5 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
85 |
60 |
9 |
|
2 |
Mayo |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
73 |
65 |
7 |
|
3 |
Armagh |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
79 |
65 |
7 |
|
4 |
Donegal |
5 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
61 |
66 |
5 |
|
5 |
Monaghan |
5 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
63 |
68 |
4 |
|
6 |
Tyrone |
5 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
56 |
70 |
3 |
|
7 |
Kildare |
5 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
62 |
70 |
3 |
|
8 |
Dublin |
5 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
64 |
79 |
2 |
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