CONDITIONS were dreadful, the football was intense so it came down to an examination of character.
When serious questions were posed Michael Murphy summoned the answers demonstrating admirable self-belief to nail three dead balls in the closing 13 minutes of an absorbing match.
Murphy had been restricted to six plays in the game by a tigerish Justin McMahon, but when Donegal needed the Glenswilly stalwart to close the deal that is precisely what he did.
Two pressure frees were slotted and then a remarkable 45 ensured Tyrone had to go chasing for a late goal at the end of a bitter game. That Mattie Donnelly nearly found one merely added to the dramatic finish, but while Tyrone had caused Donegal problems the home team posted a win at Ballybofey.
The final scoreline, 1-13 to 1-10, was the statistic which truly mattered, but for those who tried to make sense of the mayhem all they could do was focus on the supreme support work of Donegal.
Whoever is in possession is rarely isolated, the facts and figures back it up. Frank McGlynn left the pitch having made 25 plays – a significant number in a fixture of such savage physicality. Odhran MacNiallais' centrefield display included 19 – that was the type of industry Donegal were forced to show.
Tyrone overcame a shaky start to enjoy a hugely productive second quarter in which Peter Harte's dash was significant. Capable of forcing turnovers and using the ball wisely 1-2 of Tyrone's opening period scores were crafted by Harte, who made 16 plays before the break.
Harte made eight more after the restart, but crucially most were far from the scoring zone as Donegal got men behind the ball and space was scarce.
Still Tyrone, despite their early shooting issues, were on terms in the 57th minute, but then Murphy assumed centre stage by accepting responsibility drilling over three points which decided the issue. Donegal were marginally more efficient posting 1-13 from 27 opportunities; Tyrone registered 1-10 out of 28.
Despite being restricted to nine plays Paddy McBrearty made them count nailing two splendid points, while the craft of Christy Toye and Colm McFadden meant Donegal just had a bit of extra potency and punch up front.
