Exterior opinions imply little to Donegal supervisor Jim McGuinness and his single-minded method will proceed into Sunday’s All-Eire closing rematch in opposition to Kerry in Ballyshannon [13:30 GMT].
The Kingdom romped to a thirty ninth Sam Maguire success final summer time, defeating Donegal 1-26 to 0-19 within the closing as Jack O’Connor’s facet exploded into life on their run to the title.
Some queried Donegal’s zonal method in that sport however McGuinness insists “we’ll determine what’s proper and will not be listening to anyone else” when it comes to his workforce’s tactical method.
“There’s a great deal of opinions on the market and a great deal of folks saying a great deal of issues however that does not have any affect on my considering in anyway – I do not hearken to these folks,” he mentioned following Saturday’s opening win over Dublin.
“Most of them have by no means coached at inter-county degree, most have by no means stood on a sideline, most have by no means received something as a coach. I solely take counsel from individuals who have been there and executed that.”
Sunday’s Division One sport could not have the identical excessive stakes, however for McGuinness, this shall be one other step alongside the highway to the place they wish to be in 2026.
Donegal opened their marketing campaign with a 1-20 to 0-20 win over the Dubs in Croke Park, whereas Kerry left it late in opposition to Roscommon in Killarney as Tomas Kennedy’s buzzer-beater snatched victory.
Naturally, there shall be a eager curiosity on how this weekend’s sport pans out and whether or not there shall be tweaks in method, however it’s something however a revenge mission for the Ulster champions in keeping with their coach whose focus is on growing his squad for this yr’s championship.
“That sport is lengthy gone,” he mentioned of final yr’s All-Eire closing.
“We’re heading for 2026 now and specializing in that. There is no residue there, we’re again on the horse, received our first sport and can see what occurs subsequent weekend.”
