Masterplan from O’Rourke as Donegal put to the sword

Boom goes the cloak of invincibility! Or was it more like a whimper?

Put to the very sword that they themselves forged. This was Ulster Championship at its very best. Unpredictable, intense, brilliant.

The bookmakers had Monaghan at even money with a seven-point head start. The supporters wanted a good performance. The optimistic journalists believed Donegal would win in a two- to three-point game. But when you analyse with a rational mind, this is not a major surprise. The signs have been there for Donegal since the first round against Tyrone. They were amplified against Down in the semi-final. They were exposed yesterday.