Read More: Donegal beat Tyrone to take their place in the Ulster Championship final
Shaun Patton: A man of the match contender, he never put a foot wrong. Denied Peter Harte, Brian Kennedy and Richie Donnelly with saves or interceptions and his kick-outs were a joy to watch, particularly late in the game when Tyrone tried to put him under pressure. 9
Paddy McGrath: Tracked Peter Harte early in the game then switched to full-back. Drove forward himself on a number of occasions. Typically competent display from the Ardara defender. 7.5
Neil McGee: Started on Cathal McShane and lost him for an early point. Vastly experienced, he settled afterwards helped and marshalled a Donegal defence that kept the Tyrone full-forwards on a tight leash. 7
Stephen McMenamin: Up against Mattie Donnelly, he matched him for scores – they both registered points. The subject of disgraceful aggression from McCann, he retained his composure. A superb performance from the Aodh Rua clubman. 8
Ryan McHugh: He is worth his weight in gold to Donegal. As usual he had to deal with more than his fair share of rough stuff and as usual he came through it and made Donegal tick from the half-back line. Highlights reel included a goal-line block and a trademark point. 8
Niall O'Donnell: Pushed on to Sludden early on and made life uncomfortable for the Tyrone centre half-forward. Worked hard and impressed until he was called ashore midway through the second half. 7
Eoghan Ban Gallagher: He can turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye. Set up the early goal for Jamie Brennan with an electric burst of pace and a deft pass. Tyrone couldn’t handle his post-to-post runs. 8
Hugh McFadden: Dropped back to sweeper to screen the full-back line and cut off the supply to Cathal McShane. He did so effectively and helped to negate one of Tyrone’s strengths this year. The Red Hands couldn’t find a way round him. 8
Jason McGee: Started brightly but was forced off with an injury after 16 minutes. 6
Eoin McHugh: A surprise starter but the Kilcar man acquitted himself very well, popping up with a first half point and working hard around the middle third. 6.5
Leo McLoone: Lost Brian Kennedy in the first half when the Tyrone midfielder bulldozed through the Donegal defence and had a shot on goal. Apart from that he did his job well and won a free for Murphy to point. 6.5
Jamie Brennan: See star man
Paddy McBrearty: After his injury problems it’s good to see the Kilcar forward back to his best. His pick up and pass to create Brennan’s second goal chance were a joy to watch and he finished the game with three points. 7.5
Michael Murphy: Finished with five points from nine attempts but he was a key performer for his side. Class point in front of the posts in the first half – outmuscled his marker, turned and scored. Operated at midfield where he caught a series of superb second half marks. 8
Michael Langan: Up against Tiarnan McCann and edged the battle. His passing caught the eye at times and he chipped in with a first half points. 7
Subs:
Ciaran Thompson: Arrived via helicopter from his brother Anthony’s wedding and replaced McGee. Had a fine game in the midfield. 7
Daire O Baoill: Named to start but replaced for Eoin McHugh. Slotted into the defence with Donegal in command. 6
Frank McGlynn: The veteran came on for McLoone and picked up McCurry. A calm head in the closing stages. 6
Oisin Gallen: Back from injury and got a first taste of Championship action when he came on for O'Donnell. One shot wide. 6
Paul Brennan: Replaced namesake Jamie for the last 10 minutes. 6
Star man
Jamie Brennan (Donegal)
There were other contenders – notably Shaun Patton but Brennan won this game for his side. Electric early on, he cut the Tyrone defence to shreds. His early goal set the tone and he added three sumptuous points as well. Also hit the post with a shot that had beaten Niall Morgan. Tyrone tried several markers on him. None could handle him. 9
