McShea's Say: Donegal's game was a scientific approach of quality over quantity

Before Saturday’s championship game against Tyrone, Donegal had been coming along steadily over the previous few months.

Their development had been tempered by three tough championship games and the visit of Tyrone, our old foes, was considered to be yet another formidable test.   

But this Donegal team were splendid in their mastery of all the skills, as fit as it is possible for an amateur team to be, and as eager for victory as any side who ever wore the green and gold jersey.   

A crowd of almost 17,000 spectators thronged MacCumhaill Park to watch a renewal of the most cherished and revered rivalry in Ulster football - Donegal versus Tyrone. An explosive atmosphere suffused the venue as the teams came onto the pitch, and the stand and terraces reverberated to a mighty roar of support for the Ulster champions.   

And in terms of numerical support Tyrone was heavily outnumbered. That was a surprise because Tyrone's teams traditionally are very well supported.   

This match, on a fine Saturday evening, was a terrific game of football, and the high fetching, points from distance, and general abandon of the exchanges was a welcome antidote to the dour short passing game that is now the norm at this level of football.   

This was Donegal’s best performance since Jim McGuinness returned as manager, and the quality of football played by Donegal was as good as any Donegal team has delivered in the last number of years.   

Donegal’s achievement in winning this game with a bit to spare was a significant aspect of Saturday’s game. Terms like mature, brave, and streetwise would be relevant in describing the display, but to their credit the quality of football Donegal played was exceptional and while the first half was impressive, the second-half display was incredible.  

By the end of the 70 minutes, Tyrone was bewildered and deflated. The scene was set for a Tyrone ambush, but once Peadar Mogan began to roam far and wide and electrified the crowd with his solo runs into the heart of the Tyrone defence, the Red Hand County were in trouble.   

Mogan scored three great points and was deserving of the Man of the Match award. But the coveted award of Man of the Match had several Donegal contenders. Ryan McHugh once again looked unstoppable when in full flight, Eoin Ban Gallagher was simply dynamic, and Tyrone had no answer to his searing pace, while the midfield pairing of Michael Langan and Jason McGee both scored and dominated their area.   

In attack, Oisin Gallen scored seven excellent points, and he handled pressure free kicks with complete authority, while his excellent long-range points must have a devastating effect on opposing defenders. Meanwhile, Patrick McBrearty retains the insatiable hunger and loyalty to the colours that have hallmarked his career. But every one of this Donegal team and replacements played with tearaway exuberance and intelligence.   

This memorable Donegal display was based on a scientific approach, which focused more on quality than quantity. The Donegal players drive on the field and their newfound willingness to go to any lengths to achieve success is a mirror of their manager’s personality.   

Donegal are now a potent force in the game. The improvement in the quality of their play in 12 months is exceptional, and if they can repeat the excellence of Saturday’s display, they will have an extended run in this championship.  

Cork up next   

Donegal make the long trip south this Saturday for a meeting with Cork, and after watching the Leesiders play in Ballybofey a few months ago, I was quite impressed with their ability to play good football.   

However, Donegal’s ultra-professional approach will ensure that no stone will be left unturned in their quest to bring the points back to Donegal, and a win in this game will leave Donegal looking towards an All-Ireland quarter-final.