The All-Ireland win of 2012 seems like a long time ago for Donegal and their fans.
For the first time since 2010, Rory Gallagher's side have failed to reach the All-Ireland quarter-finals, after they were trashed by Galway in Markievicz Park. They lost 4-17 to 0-14, in a surprisingly one-sided match.
Conceding three goals in the first-half (including two from Galway's Johnny Heaney), the game was all but over at half-time when the Connacht finalists led by 11 points.
Discipline cost the Ulster side throughout, with goalkeeper Mark Anthony McGinley and captain Michael Murphy both being shown black cards.
Galway's win banishes the dismay that came with the loss to Roscommon. Already in this Championship, they have defeated Mayo and Donegal and will be dangerous in the quarter-finals.
For Donegal, the Championship season is their worst in over half a decade, and the defeat was their heaviest since losing to Mayo in the 2013 quarter-finals when they lost by 16 points.
Throughout the game, Donegal's manager Rory Gallagher was been widely blamed for the performance.
All I can say is that Rory Gallagher needs to go. Donegal players don't look they enjoy playing at all!!! #GALVDON #SKYGAA
— AlanaMcGee (@AlanaMcGee14) July 22, 2017
Rory Gallagher's managerial style is about as adaptable as a bag of ashes.
— Ciarán 🇵🇸 (@Call_Me_Ciaran) July 22, 2017
Rory Gallagher hasn't a clue, the brains behind 2012 hahah
— James Boyle (@jboyle25) July 22, 2017
The more i watch Donegal this season the more I think Rory Gallagher just completely ignores practising kickouts #LongToMurphy #Donegalgaa
— Shaun Coyle (@shaun_coyle) July 22, 2017
Any sign of Rory Gallagher getting replaced by Jim Mc Guinness?
— James Gallagher (@mayor_james) July 22, 2017
if Rory Gallagher has any shame he'll step down straight away after this game
— John Doran (@JohnD_5) July 22, 2017
Rory Gallagher had the termerity to ask for an extended contract. And it was given to him. Let that sink in.
— Brian Gillespie (@briangillep) July 22, 2017
Donegal under jim mcguiness vs Donegal under Rory gallagher #gaaqualifiers @TheSundayGame pic.twitter.com/WKMi1UIS6F
— Brian óg Conlan (@BertConlan1) July 22, 2017
Rory Gallagher is the David Moyes of GAA. #hardacttofollow #galway #donegal
— Gerry McK (@GMcK2012) July 22, 2017
this is fecking disaster, this is fecking humiliation...I hope Rory Gallagher will step down in the next hour #DonegalGalway
— Jack Islander (@jackislander) July 22, 2017
