BY MATTHEW WILSON

Donegal had a host of fantastic performers against Meath on Sunday.

Jim McGuinness’s men won on a scoreline of 3-26 to 0-15.

We assess how every player performed in the semi-final.

Shaun Patton; A solid outing for the St Eunan’s man on his 100th appearance. Meath found joy from Shaun Patton’s kickouts in the opening quarter. The Donegal net minder was much more accurate from the tee for the remainder of the last four clash, and Donegal got two goals from his monster restarts. 7

Finnbarr Roarty: The Naomh Conaill youngster continued his fine campaign with a strong performance on Sunday. The corner-back got forward to great effect throughout and made an important turnover which led to Ciaran Moore’s three-pointer. 8.5

Brendan McCole: A very good performance from the Mountcharles man. McCole was faultless at the back at GAA HQ on Sunday afternoon. He made a timely intervention in the early stages to cut out a Meath goal opportunity. 7.5

Peadar Mogan: It was a good outing for the St Naul’s man. He defended well while also getting forward and helping out in attack as usual, getting a point to his name in the process. 7

Ryan McHugh: A very solid display from the Kilcar man. McHugh was very prominent throughout and assisted Ciaran Moore’s fine second half goal. 7.5

Eoghan ‘Ban’ Gallagher: The Killybegs native put in a good shift at Croke Park against the Royals. He carried out his defensive responsibilities well and got forward when possible. 7

Caolan McColgan: McColgan was impressive on Sunday. He frequently drove forward with possession throughout the contest and in doing so, set up Oisin Gallen for his 42nd minute goal. 7.5

Michael Langan: The St Michael’s clubman was one of the standout performers at Croker. He was brilliant around the middle, breaking several Meath kickouts, while also notching four points from play. 8.5

Hugh McFadden: Like his midfield partner, McFadden was superb around the middle third. He played a big part in helping his side keep Meath under pressure in the opening stanza, breaking several Billy Hogan kickouts. 7

Ciaran Moore: The Letterkenny man covered a serious amount of ground at Croke Park on Sunday. He put in a stellar performance, particularly in Act Two, contributing 1-1 towards his side’s tally. 7.5

Ciaran Thompson: The Donegal half-forward played a big role in Sunday’s semi-final. He linked up play well throughout and managed to add two points of his own also. 7

Shane O’Donnell: Another good showing from the St Eunan’s man. He carried a lot of ball for his team, turning defence into attack and got a point to his name while he was at it. 7

Conor O’Donnell: The Carndonagh native has continued his recent fine form with a brilliant showing against Meath. His pace is proving difficult for a lot of teams to manage and it was likewise on Sunday with the corner-forward kicking 1-3. 8

Michael Murphy: The All-Ireland winning captain was highly influential while on the pitch on Sunday. He linked up a lot of play while slotting over six points of his own before being taken off after 45 minutes 8

Oisin Gallen: A superb showing from the 2024 All-Star. He proved a threat for the Meath defence throughout and his three-pointer was the finish of a man in confidence 7.5

Subs:

Patrick McBrearty: The Donegal Captain came on for Michael Murphy after 45 minutes and made a serious impression. In the time he was on the pitch he managed to add three fine scores to his team’s tally. A quality option to have on the bench. 7.5

Jason McGee: McGee did well after he was introduced. He picked up where McFadden left off and was effective around the middle third. 7

Caolan McGonagle: It was great to see the Buncrana man back on the pitch having been absent since the Tyrone game. He carried out his duties well and made one great block. 7

Daire O’Baoill: O’Baoill was called upon with 15 minutes to go and managed to get his name on the scoresheet as he so often does. He’s another serious weapon for McGuinness to be able to bring on. 7

Odhran McFadden Ferry:. The Gaoth Dobhair clubman put in a good shift after being introduced and helped Donegal keep Meath at bay in the closing ten minutes. 7