Derry asked real questions but we found the answers - Declan McDermott 

Declan McDermott says his Donegal minor side has plenty to work on but was content to see them pick up their first LGFA MFC points against Derry. 

The Oak Leafers battled admirably in Fintra but Donegal’s extra quality meant they fended of everything the visitors threw their way in Eamon Byrne Memorial Park. 

Despite playing with the strong breeze the hosts led by just one at the midpoint at 1-5 to 1-4. And at that stage, Derry must have fancied their chances. 

“In the first-half we were well below what we can do,” said McDermott after. “The work rate probably wasn’t there. Maybe we took Derry a little lightly, I don’t know. 

“Playing with the wind, we probably made hard work of that. The chances we had for goals we could still have been out of sight at the break. 

“For both sides, there were probably nerves there as it’s first day out and it’s championship football. But to their credit when Derry asked questions we dug deep and found the answers.

“But coming in at half-time, and they are a great and honest bunch, they knew they needed to up things on the restart”.

In a gritty second-half effort, Donegal did just about enough to take the win and, on reflection, it was a victory they deserved at 2-8 to 2-6. 

“Derry weren’t going away and fair play to them they gave it absolutely everything. We brought fresh legs like Elisha Boyle and Aibhe Doherty. That was key as well”   

“We have four weeks now before Cavan. They are a really good side so we certainly have the time and scope to prepare for that”.