Rory Gallagher wasn't happy with some of the attention Michael Murphy received during Donegal's win over Tyrone.

The captain was closely marked by Justin McMahon, but still came up trumps with a couple of late scores from placed balls, including a brilliant '45', to secure the win for the reigning Ulster champions.

"I felt probably that while the officials did a good job that Michael was targeted," Gallagher said.

"There is no doubt about that. But look, that is the way it is. It is up to other people to deal with it. The officials had a great game but Michael comes in for a lot of attention off the ball which isn't allowed."

The Donegal manager wasn't surprised by how close the game was.

"Nobody for one minute thought it was going to be any different. There was going to be very little between the teams and that is the way it turned out. I wouldn't say it was any more important that the previous three years. None of us want to lose.

"The expectancy is there now with the success and the rivalry against Tyrone. But look, on a personal level, no more than three years ago, I wanted to win."

He added: "Coming in we felt well prepared and we also felt that it would be a nightmare situation to be out of the Ulster championship before it even started. So we are delighted."

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