For forwards, this was football at its toughest

This was the modern game in all its glory.

Both Tyrone and Donegal concentrated on defence as a priority, and sadly for neutral spectators at the ground or watching on television, it meant there was little opportunities for the likes of Michael Murphy, Stephen O’Neill and Peter Harte to display their full ware of attacking talents.

Those involved with county teams become defensive when their tactics and strategies are criticised. But maybe it is because people on the outside looking in don’t realise how difficult the game can be.