By Robert McNamara
Donegal were criticised for their style of play at times, playing a possession game for lengthy periods, but they got the job done at Croke Park leaving Galway to lick their wounds.
Ryan McHugh’s goal with 10 minutes pushed Donegal six in front and proved the decisive moment of the game.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the win for the Ulster county.
Donegal can veer between sublime and bland
Do the Galway lads have some private internal competition regarding who can kick the ball the highest??? #DONvGAL #GAA
— Cormac Cor (@CormacCor) August 1, 2015
if i was a mayo fan i wouldn't worry to much about Donegal #GAA
— Alan Minnock (@99CheckMate) August 1, 2015
Gets lost in the hand-wringing over defensive tactics, but Donegal are superb counter attackers, glorious to watch when they get space #gaa
— Neil Frazer (@NeilPFrazer) August 1, 2015
Crowd in Croke Park booing Donegals style of play. Great craic! #GAA
— Jim Mc Eneaney (@jmceneaney) August 1, 2015
Boos around Croke Park. Aimed at Donegal but Galway to blame for Donegal's "keep-ball". #GAA
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) August 1, 2015
I haven't booed anyone at #CrokePark since Brian Mullins ran across the pitch in '83 after the elbow but Donegal negativity earned it! #GAA
— Cian Ferriter (@ferritec) August 1, 2015
The way Donegal try to play football is absolutely septic viewing #skygaa #galway #donegal #gaa
— David Connors (@peterswellman) August 1, 2015
And people wonder why Donegal are playing "keep-ball"! #sportlive #GAA pic.twitter.com/S94Bn0BfBL
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) August 1, 2015
Michael Murphy you beautiful big bugger. Ryan McHugh has been all over the pitch - what a goal #GAA #donegal
— Sean Duffy (@londonirishlad1) August 1, 2015
Great goal by Donegal. Score of the championship so far. Murphy again with a lovely hand off #GAA
— DamienMc (@damienmc67) August 1, 2015
Between Murphy's point and that McHugh goal.... compelling game with some spectacular moments. #GAA
— Brendan Cole (@brendcole) August 1, 2015
Toss up between Colm McFadden and Odhran Mac Niallais for man of the match #GAA #sportlive
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) August 1, 2015
In my opinion Donegal turnover count and Colm McFadden was the difference today! A half fit Murphy also! Bring on next week! #Gaa
— Hugh Boyle Yank (@HughYank) August 1, 2015
Galway put up a decent fight but fall short again
The west is asleep... Well their defence is anyway! #GAA
— Willie Quinn (@liamocoinn) August 1, 2015
What kind of defensive system are Galway employing?! Looks like nobody has a clue what they're at! #donegalvgalway #GAA #tactics
— Edel (@AonSeansOrt) August 1, 2015
Jees it's a bit early for the boos. #Gaa #DonvGal #GalvDon #ShoutItOut
— LaobhaoiseNiEanachan (@LaobhaoiseNihE) August 1, 2015
I expected @Galway_GAA to put it up to @officialdonegal this evening and haven't been disappointed. #gaa
— Ailin O'Maolalaidh (@AOMaolalaidh) August 1, 2015
Galway doing very well. Great angles of running off the shoulder and an excellent defensive shape after #sportlive #DONvGAL
— ian galvin (@IanGalvinNYGAA) August 1, 2015
Donegal very static at times. Galway playing well. Good pace from them. Should be a good second half. #gaa #DONvGAL
— Cathal Cole (@cathalcole) August 1, 2015
Ref has given Galway nothing #gaa
— Conall Ó Fátharta (@ococonuts) August 1, 2015
That's that anyway #sameoldstory #galway #gaa #DONvGAL
— Jack Murray (@mediamurray) August 1, 2015
The black card rule is a joke #GAA
— Denis Smyth (@BeardlessDen) August 1, 2015
25,665 in Croke Park today. Does that justify staging the two games here? #GAA #sportlive
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) August 1, 2015