Michael Murphy believes Donegal can triumph in transition season

Donegal captain Michael Murphy accepts his team are in a building process and player development is their priority in 2017.

Since the quarter-final defeat to Dublin last year, the 2012 champions have lost Rory Kavanagh, Colm McFadden, Éamon McGee, Christy Toye, and David Walsh, while Leo McLoone, Odhrán Mac Niallais, and Anthony Thompson have made themselves unavailable for the season. Factor in emigrated pair Paul Durcan and Ryan Bradley, as well and seven players from the team that beat Mayo five years ago are no longer part of the panel.

Murphy, who revealed manager Rory Gallagher has introduced 15 new players into the group, accepts they are in a transitional period after losing so many seasoned personnel. “It’s going to be difficult. You’re soldiering with them for the last 10 years. I’m going into my 11th year now, you’re spending all your time, you’re training with them, you get to know them, they become your best friends, you’re not going to see them as much anymore. But, yeah, that’s something we all have to get on with it.