Pat Spillane has dismissed Donegal’s chances of winning the All-Ireland title and claimed there is only four ‘serious’ contenders for the most coveted prize in GAA.
Spillane claims that only Dublin, Kerry, Mayo and at a push Tyrone are ‘serious’ contenders for the Sam Maguire this season.
In his weekly column with The Sunday World, Spillane wrote, “I think Kerry will be in the mix again this year, even though I don’t necessarily think they will be a better team than last season.
“Then why am I so optimistic? My reasoning is very simple – with the exception of Dublin, every other team is on the slide.
“At best there are four ‘serious’ contenders for Sam in 2016 – Dublin, Kerry, Mayo and at a stretch Tyrone.”
Spillane has been very critical of Donegal in the past – and infamously blasted their style of football in 2011.
In the aftermath of Donegal’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Dublin that summer – Spillane described Dublin’s win as ‘A victory for football’ and said the style of play on display from Donegal would ‘degenerate the game into a shambles’.
Donegal famously proved all their critics including Spillane wrong when they won the All-Ireland title the following season.
They were narrowly beaten in the All-Ireland final in 2014 – and lost the Ulster final last season – before exiting the All-Ireland series at the quarter-final juncture to Mayo.
Optimism is strong in Donegal – Rory Gallagher’s side have been dealt a much kinder Ulster SFC draw this season as oppose to 2015 – and many feel Donegal will win back the Ulster title they relinquished last season.
While others feel they’re well-placed for one last big push with many of their senior players edging towards retirement.
However, former Kerry star has run the wrath of Donegal fans by dismissing their chances of challenging.
Tyrone haven’t reached a final since 2008, while Mayo haven’t reached a decider since 2013.
Donegal won it in 2012, and were beaten in the final in 2014, yet are being excluded from even being in the mix-up by Spillane.
Donegal are in Allianz National League action against Down in Newry on Saturday, January 30th.
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