MARK MCHUGH says Saturday’s win over Tyrone was a ‘joy to watch’ and believes the Red Hands underestimated Donegal.
The 2012 All-Ireland winner watched the game in the company of Republic of Ireland captain Seamus Coleman and was taken by Donegal’s blistering first-half.
Tyrone were already on the sword when Donegal roared into a seven-point half-time lead.
“I thought it was extraordinary,” 2012 All-Ireland winner McHugh told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.
“It was unbelievable to watch. It just lifted everybody who was from Donegal at the match, the way they were playing football.
“I think Tyrone underestimated the skill quality of the Donegal boys. Donegal just ran through the middle…and creating scores for the forwards to tap over the bar. Tyrone had just no answer to them. It was a joy to watch Donegal.”
With Tyrone having contested last year’s All-Ireland final, many had Mickey Harte’s team listed as the favourites this weekend, but Donegal proved too hot to handle.
McHugh said: “I don’t know if it surprised me. I know what they’re capable of and know how good they are. I was surprised maybe how poor Tyrone were.
“They didn’t have the intensity they usually have. Donegal just had the array of confidence. This was the game Donegal were focussing on. They just got it pin perfect.”
Cavan, who booked a place in a first Ulster final since 2001 yesterday, will provide the opposition in two weeks’ time.
McHugh said: “Those boys won’t take anything for granted. They’ve been in enough finals and know the feeling of losing it.
“We were raging favourites in 2013 and Monaghan blitzed us. Donegal won’t let that complacency set in. There are too many experienced players on the field.”
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