Galway’s ability to slip lines and find gaps the big difference - Michael Murphy 

Michael Murphy reckoned Galway’s intricate ability to get inside Donegal’s defensive shield ultimately proved the difference as they bypassed Donegal and into the All-Ireland SFC final. 

The sides were level nearing the last ten minutes but seasoned Galway tagged on two points before the end through Robert Finnerty and Liam Silke to help the Tribesmen to victory.

Having shipped such a fortuitous early goal through Paul Conroy Donegal steadied the ship to go in level at the break at 1-7 to 0-10. 

Donegal’s efficiency was so impressive in the first-half as long-range efforts from the likes of Michael Lagan, Ciaran Thompson and Oisin Gallen bypassed Galway’s rigid defensive set. 

However, with fatigue setting in down the stretch, that tactic just wasn’t sustainable and Jim McGuinness’ men just couldn’t break the necessary lines late on as Galway edged matters 1-14 to 0-15. 

"These quick hands have been huge for them," Murphy said on BBC commentary on how they prevailed in Croke Park. 

"A lot of Galway's attacking play was down to their quick hands that unlocked the defence.

"They moved the ball really well, and those are the margins. They were able to slip into the scoring zones a bit more effectively than Donegal."