McGuinness plots the complete performance

Although Donegal only won by two points on the scoreboard, they were really five or six points a better team than Cork on the day.

If they had their shooting boots on in the second half, they could have won by more than that. This was a real team effort by Donegal, with defenders and midfielders contributing six points from play. The big difference between this complete performance and Kerry game was the ball-winning display of midfielder Neil Gallagher and a return to form of captain Michael Murphy.

Of the 19 contested kick outs in the first half, Donegal won 11 with Gallagher responsible for most. Keeper Paul Durcan was clearly avoiding Aidan Walsh.