A few gifts for the games we love

DEAR Santa, I’ve been a good boy this year—well, mostly. I’ve cheered, I’ve groaned, and I’ve written more words about GAA than I care to count. So instead of socks and selection boxes, I’m asking for something different: a few gifts for the games we love. After a rollercoaster 2025, here’s what I’m hoping for in 2026.

Stop the talent drain

Every December, whispers of Irish teenagers boarding flights to Melbourne or Brisbane grow louder. The AFL’s lure of professional contracts and lifestyle is undeniable, but the GAA is paying the price.

Two names sum up the trend—Kobe McDonald (above), Mayo’s prodigy, and Ben Murphy, Kerry’s rising star. Both dazzled at underage level, both gone before gracing a senior championship. McDonald’s move to St Kilda as a Category B rookie came after he lit up the Mayo club scene at just 17. Murphy, meanwhile, was tipped as Kerry’s next big forward before Brisbane swooped. These aren’t fringe players—they’re future All-Stars leaving the stage door left before they’ve graced the stage.

The issue isn’t players chasing dreams—it’s the lack of structure. Right now, counties are blindsided by approaches and development work evaporates overnight. My wish? A clear policy: formal notifications, maybe even compensation and a pathway that respects both codes. If we don’t act, the conveyor belt of talent will keep running one way, and the GAA will lose not just players but the magic of watching them mature in our own game.

If we’re serious about stopping the AFL talent drain, the GAA needs a smarter plan—one that protects counties, but still respects players chasing their dreams. First off, no more secret deals. AFL clubs should have to tell the GAA and the player’s county before making a move. Counties also deserve compensation for years of development work. We also must make staying home more appealing with scholarships, coaching opportunities, and better media exposure for our stars.

Donegal: Learn don’t repeat

Donegal came agonisingly close in 2025, but their All-Ireland final loss to Kerry told a story. Jim McGuinness built a disciplined, defensive machine, yet when Kerry set the tempo early, Donegal were chasing shadows. Zonal marking left Paudie Clifford free to orchestrate and attacking ambition was scarce until desperation kicked in.

The numbers were stark: Kerry racked up 1-26, while Donegal managed just 0-19 and most of those scores came when the game was slipping away. Donegal’s possession game slowed them down, and their reluctance to kick early ball meant Patrick McBrearty and Oisín Gallen were starved of chances.

Here’s the dilemma: Jim might double down, believing his system was inches from glory. But football is evolving. My Christmas hope? Donegal embrace risk—kick-passing, quicker transitions and a willingness to trade blows. They have the talent; now they need the courage to break their own mould. If they do, they’re not just contenders—they’re potential champions.

Donegal also can’t keep leaning on Michael Murphy like he’s the only answer. Yes, he’s a legend, but the game has moved on and so must they. His return last year cast a huge spotlight—every camera, every headline, every opposition marker locked on him, and even his own teammates seemed in awe. That kind of attention is a double-edged sword: it lifts the team but also makes them predictable and puts all the pressure on one man. Younger forwards like Gallen and O’Donnell need to take ownership and become the go-to scorers. If Donegal want to break through in 2026, it’s time for fresh leaders to step up and share the load.

Galway: Bridging the gap

Death, taxes and me backing Galway! Galway are still right in the mix. Last year injuries knocked them off course, but with a settled squad and big home league games against Mayo, Roscommon, and Dublin, they’ve got a real chance to build momentum. If Shane Walsh and Damien Comer stay fit, they’ll be dangerous—Walsh pulling strings and Comer bulldozing through defences. Add Rob Finnerty for extra scoring punch, and suddenly you’ve got a forward line that can hurt anyone. And keep an eye on Matthew Thomson—he’s a star in the making in an already stacked attack. One big performance in the quarter-final and Galway could shake up the whole pecking order.

Tyrone: A big push

Tyrone is quietly gearing up for a big push. The Red Hands have a serious mix of youth and experience coming together. Eoin McElholm, last year’s U20 Footballer of the Year, is stepping up to join Darren McCurry and the Canavan brothers—now that’s a forward line with bite. The formula is clear: blend the old heads with the new blood and rediscover that ruthless streak that made them champions in 2021. And here’s the thing—Tyrone have won three of the last four Under-20 titles, so the talent pipeline is overflowing. If McElholm settles quickly and the midfield holds firm, don’t be shocked if they shake up Ulster and maybe even the whole championship. The Red Hands will come good soon.

Mayo: Excitement building

Hope springs eternal out west, and Mayo fans have plenty to be excited about. Cillian O’Connor is back, joined by James Carr and Rob Hennelly under Andy Moran’s watch. Moran says Cillian won’t be rushed, but let’s be honest, his presence alone lifts the whole squad. Add Ryan O’Donoghue’s spark and Colm Reape’s steady hands in goal, and Mayo’s dream of Sam is still alive. One thing feels certain for 2026: Mayo will play attacking football, kick the ball more, and use the new rules to their advantage. Aidan O’Shea could be the focal point inside, with O’Connor feeding off him—and that’s a scary prospect for any defence. And here’s my sneaky prediction: Galway won’t be making it four Connacht titles in a row.

This is my final column for The Irish Voice. Over the years, your feedback, debates, and passion have made writing these pieces a real privilege. Thanks for reading and for caring about the game as much we do. Here’s to a 2026 season full of great football and a few surprises along the way. Slán go fóill.