McShea's Say: Derry represented a step up in class and yet Donegal destroyed them

If anyone told me that Donegal would have scored 4-11 in dismantling the aura surrounding Derry in Celtic Park on Saturday, I would have suggested sending for the men in white coats.  

This was quite simply an outstanding display from Jim McGuinness's side. In what was a remarkable team display, I don't ever remember watching a Donegal side where every man in a green and gold jersey played so well.  

In looking forward to this match we did not realise what was in store. The game was packed with intrigue, boundless drama, and explosive action. This was one for the purist, a clash of two supremely talented outfits.  

After a very cautious opening 10 minutes with both sides playing all 15 behind the ball, little did we realise the sparkling football and massive scores that this clash would produce.  

In winning the National League, Derry had played some great football and had developed into a team to be feared. Both the first and second division champions played with an instinctive desire to blast forward at every opportunity and Donegal were ready to punish the slightest hint of indecision or hesitancy on the part of their opponents.  

We were aware that Derry were a very good team, and nothing that we had seen in Croke Park a few weeks ago when Derry beat Dublin caused our respect for the League champions to diminish. Derry represented a step up in class from anything that Donegal had encountered this year.  

In beating Dublin, Derry was pretty awesome, their movement off the ball was excellent, their foot passing, their support play, and their finishing was sublime.  

Donegal was good in every position on Saturday, and they had some brilliant performers. The heartbeat of this classy Donegal team was Ryan McHugh. When Donegal got motoring, he was the man who made things happen, linking defence with attack, probing, prompting, and splitting defenses with stunning accuracy.  

Ryan’s two points early in the first half had a positive effect on both his teammates and the large Donegal support as the decibel levels increased, instilling a belief in both fans and his teammates.  

Caolan McGonagle has become a real leader in the Donegal defence, and it was an inspired decision by McGuinness and his mentors to locate Caolan at number six. His ability to drive forward has many followers comparing him to Martin Gavigan and that compliment is fully justified such is the power of the Buncrana man going forward.  

In modern day football the fitness levels are extreme, so it was remarkable to see Brendan McCole play at full back and not put a foot wrong. The St Naul’s man had not played since picking up an injury back in February and he was amazing in winning his battle with All-Star Shane McGuigan.  

Oisin Gallen was another who caused Derry much discomfort. His dead ball kicking into the wind was top class, and like Ryan McHugh, his early points had a settling effect on his teammates, while from open play he too excelled.  

Like McCole, Jason McGee also missed out on many games because of injury, but the big midfielder was brilliant in this encounter. He dominated the battle for possession in the middle of the park, where Conor Glass and Brendan Rogers lived off crumbs because of McGee’s excellence.  

Daire Ó Baoill scored two excellent goals when the Derry netminder showed an alarming degree of naivety on two occasions, but the Gaoth Dobhair man showed remarkable coolness when it mattered most. 

Tyrone Next Up

It is back to Derry and Celtic Park next Sunday for the Ulster semi-final with Tyrone and the mood in Donegal is extremely positive after Saturday night's excellent display.  

It was very reassuring to hear McGuinness refer to the Derry match as another game on the championship journey.  

Tyrone are always a tough opposition and no doubt they will again prove difficult opponents on Sunday. However, the quality of this Donegal squad is formidable, and I am confident that Donegal are very capable of qualifying for this year's Ulster final.