The Fogarty Forum: Donegal merely went through the motions

The outcome of Sunday’s full-times in Croke Park confirmed it will be at least eight seasons since an Ulster team last won a Division 1 title. No province has been more faithful to the competition but its top counties are learning the lessons of prolonged campaigns.

Since Derry beat Kerry in 2008, Derry, on two occasions, and Tyrone have contested finals. Their subsequent performances in their provincial championship have belied their springs. In 2009, Derry beat Monaghan in their quarter-final four weeks after losing to Kerry but were then humbled by Tyrone. Two years ago, Tyrone were edged out by Dublin and four weeks later left Ballybofey on the back of a third consecutive Ulster defeat to Donegal in as many years. Last season, Dublin handed out a beating to Derry and Brian McIver’s men were again the losing side against Donegal a month later.

Had Donegal won on Sunday, they would have had just three weeks between a league final and a monster of a clash with Tyrone in Ballybofey. If anyone expected them to put up anything more than a fight against Cork they were daft. Anybody who knows the ruthless nature of Ulster football appreciates preparations for such games require military precision.