Donegal and the art of defending in gaelic football

All through their magnificent championship run last year, Donegal were vilified for their ultra-defensive approach. They were accused of not playing the way it should be played. The way it was traditionally played. Donegal deserved credit for their performances then, but that is something which they are only beginning to receive now. Why is that Mayo will be lauded today for scoring 3-18 yesterday, while Donegal's defensive prowess last year was attacked by fans and pundits alike? There are two ways to win a game of football. By stopping the other team scoring, and by scoring yourself. Donegal happen to be the best  team in country at stopping their opponents from scoring. Kerry are arguably the best at scoring past their opponents. This is what makes Sunday's clash so enticing.

Kerry have looked resurgent in recent weeks, following on from their impressive defeat of Tyrone in the qualifiers. There have been some warning signs for the Kingdom all the same. At times, Tyrone waltzed through Kerry defence at relative ease, and Jack O'Connor must surely be worried about the countries elite teams might break down the Kingdom's back line. Donegal, may not be an elite attacking team, but they are a good one and if they can provide good ball into Colm McFadden inside, then Kerry will be in trouble.

This game though, will be decided at the other end. Kerry will win or loss depending on their ability to break down the Tír Chonaill men. Donegal will get men behind the ball and defend in packs, and so I would expect Kerry to be reliant on trying to play long ball into their forwards. They may feel they need him at midfield, but today is a day for Kieran Donaghy to be on the edge of the square. Kerry's best attack to have Donaghy as a target man and play long, high balls into him. If they do that, Donaghy could wreak havoc, and the O'Sullivans, Galvin and the 'Gooch', will propser at fighting for the breaking balls Donaghy can create. It seems likely though that Kerry will bring Donaghy out towards the midfield, and if they do, I struggle to see how they can break down Donegal's defensive barrier.

Donegal will win today. It's time to start appreciate their defensive style of football for what it is, - a legitimate method of play, and a winning method. Few teams have ever played defensive football like Donegal, and I for one, intend to enjoy watching them.