Doherty: no excuses, it was over at half-time

NO EXCUSES from Donegal, just genuine attempts at a rational explanation for what went so badly wrong for them in Croke Park yesterday – why they were so totally outplayed and why Cork were so rampant in spite of their long layoff.

Manager John Joe Doherty was chastened by the experience, if not shell-shocked, agreeing it had been frustrating on the sideline not being able to do anything to halt the onward march of the Munster champions.

“When you’re up against opposition clearly much better than you on the day, that’s the way it appears,’’ he said.