Jim Gavin was making no excuses after tasting his first championship defeat as Dublin manager.

Speaking to RTE following the Metropolitans' shock 0-17 to 3-14 loss to Donegal, the Round Tower clubman admitted: "We were beaten by a better Donegal team on the day.

"They controlled the ball very well and put us under a lot of pressure and went hard at us. They took their goal chances and that's a credit to how they set themselves up. They were justifiable winners.

"I have the height of respect for Jim (McGuinness) and what he has achieved.

"We've had some great clashes down the years and I wish him the best of luck in the All-Ireland final. It will be a cracking game between themselves and Kerry and may the best team win."

Gavin praised his players for battling to the end, even though their fate was as good as sealed after Colm McFadden bagged Donegal's third goal 11 minutes into the second half.

"I'm just disappointed for the players," he continued.

"The level of preparation they put into this game was phenomenal and I couldn't question their determination, their commitment or their resolve to the bitter end, to keep going."

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