Shaun Patton: Donegal profited from his kick-outs, which have been excellent all year. Fermanagh got the read on him a bit better after the break, but by then the game was gone. 7
Paddy McGrath: Seemed to spend more time in the Fermanagh final third than Donegal’s. Scored a super second half point and thought he had bagged a goal, only to see it ruled out for a square ball. 8
Stephen McMenamin: Kept Sean Quigley quiet from play after being given the nod ahead of Caolan Ward. 7
Eoghan Ban Gallagher: Scored the crucial opening goal after a quarter of an hour. Added another quality point nine points later. 8
Frank McGlynn: Didn’t get forward as much as against Down but always there to assist the Donegal defensive effort from his sweeping station. 7
Paul Brennan: Worked tirelessly in the heat, kept a close watch on the dangerous Declan McCusker and scored two nice points himself. 8
Ryan McHugh: See Star Man
Hugh McFadden: Played a deeper role than usual, didn’t get on the ball as much as in previous games, but helped limit Fermanagh’s scoring threat. 7
Leo McLoone: Donegal dominated midfield when it mattered, with McLoone putting in another strong shift. 7
Odhran Mac Niallais: Scored a beautiful point early on and got on plenty of ball in the first 15 minutes, but bypassed a bit at times before coming off 10 minutes from the end. 7
Michael Murphy: Had Che Cullen for company everywhere he went and didn’t get on the ball as much as in previous games, but still influential. Scored a couple of super frees and linked play well at times. 7.5
Michael Langan: Sometimes chooses the wrong option but his languid runs from deep caused Fermanagh problems all day. Ran 50 yards unchallenged to score a first half point and set up another score for Gallagher. Faded, but played his part when it mattered. 8
Ciaran Thompson: Sent over a trademark score from way out wide on the left as the clock ran down, and added another late on. Quiet enough in the early stages. 7
Jamie Brennan: Only scored one point but pace was a threat at times, and almost scored a goal early in the second half, denied by a Fermanagh hand. 7.5
Paddy McBrearty: Wasn’t hugely involved before injury forced him off just after the break, although did well in build-up to first goal, using his strength to get past Mickey Jones. 7.5
Substitutes:
Daire O Baoill: Made little impact after replacing McBrearty. Kicked a wide under pressure not long after coming on. 6.5
Caolan Ward: Went to midfield as McFadden dropped deep towards the end. 6.5
Anthony Thompson: The All-Ireland winner came off the bench when the game was all but up. 6.5
Cian Mulligan: Always makes an impact. Scored a great point in the 68th minute. 7
Mark McHugh: Slotted over a point during a short cameo. 7
Darach O’Connor: Came on for Brennan and scored a point well into added time. 6.5
STAR MAN
Ryan McHugh (Donegal)
Picked up where he left off against Down a fortnight earlier with an electric first half display. His run opened up the Fermanagh defence for Eoghan Ban Gallagher’s opening goal, and his pace cut the Ernemen to ribbons for the second, rounded off with a superb finish. Wasn’t as involved after the break, but by then his work was done. 8.5
