Pre-game, Tyrone and Donegal was deemed too close to call. Now, however, it's a game Donegal won't want to mention. These sides met in last year's Ulster final, and on a sweltering day in Clones, there
These sides met in last year's Ulster final, and on a sweltering day in Clones, there was just two points to separate the teams. Today, it was just as warm, but this time, Tyrone were utterly dominant, winning by nine points.
Tyrone's shooting was razor-sharp, with the game over as a contest before half-time. In spite of that, Donegal manager Rory Gallagher refused to throw caution to the wind. Instead, he continued to pack his defence, merely inviting a rampant Tyrone onto them.
Donegal fans and most neutral viewers were deeply unimpressed with their manager's defensive tactics.
Losing by 13 and 14 men still lined up behind the ball...🤔
A system should be a platform to attack, not a straightjacket you can't take off— Alan O'Mara (@AOMTHECAT) June 18, 2017
I cannot understand why we don't put Murphy into full forward. Try it now & see how it goes as option for qualifiers #SundayGame #Donegal
— Donna Martin (@DonnaMartin03) June 18, 2017
Donegal slowing down as a complete systems failure continues. McGinley saves decreasing the embarrassment #DONvTYR #gaa @TheSundayGame
— Ciara O'Malley (@ciara_omalley) June 18, 2017
No shock in Clones. Why Rory Gallagher thought so many young players could handle this type of intensity for 1st time is strange #UlsterSFC
— P Mc Guinness (@Pmc_g) June 18, 2017
Elsewhere, there was a minor - but utterly inconsequential - bit of controversy in the opening stages of second-half. Mark Bradley kicked a beautiful point from play, only to be black-carded immediately after, following a discussion between the umpires and referee David Gough.
He was given it for shoving a Donegal defender to the floor while striving to get the ball, but oddly, the point stood nonetheless.
Why does that point stand from Bradley? What did umpire not contact ref when foul was committed? #gaa #DONvTYR
— seanie buckley (@seaniebuckley) June 18, 2017
How can Bradley get a black card and the point still count? Illogical. #DONvTYR
— CynicalGaaguy (@CynicalGaaguy) June 18, 2017
Tyrone head into the Ulster final, while Donegal will have to try and regroup in the qualifiers after a deeply chastening day.
