Conor Gleeson Had no shots to save, and flapped at a long ball in during the second half, but kick-outs were excellent as Galway got to grips with Donegal around the middle. 7
Johnny McGrath Troubled early on by Doherty’s pace but eventually got on top and dominated. 7
Sean Fitzgerald Largely ineffective. One long ball into square led to a first half goal chance, when Patton pushed it out for Walsh to point. 6.5
Jack Glynn McBrearty may not be the free-scoring force of his youth, but Glynn lost the Kilcar man a handful of times as he scored two and set up another couple. 6.5
Dylan McHugh Bagged the first score of the day, and was a powerhouse performer throughout - drove Galway forward, broke up Donegal attacks. Brilliant. 8.5
Liam Silke Strange sort of an afternoon. Couldn’t get close to Gallen in the first half as the Ballybofey man bagged three from play, but put him on the back foot after the break, landing two lovely scores – including a huge one towards the end to push Galway two ahead – and creating two others. 7.5
Sean Mulkerrin Got his hands on plenty of ball and played his part as Galway battened down the hatches in the second half, leaving Donegal with little room to manoeuvre. 7
Paul Conroy Scored a fortuitous first half goal and, that aside, had a big bearing on this game. Huge around the middle, got the better of the returning McGee, and clever passing was always on point as Galway probed. Added a classy score too. 8
Cein Darcy Started in the place of injured captain Sean Kelly, and struggled to get close to the on-form Langan before being withdrawn early in the second half. 5.5
Matthew Tierney Won three kick-outs in the first half, and his run across the square caused just enough chaos for Conroy’s effort at the posts to drop into the net. Found himself up against Moore for most of the game, with neither having much bearing on the game. 6.5
John Maher At the centre of most of Galway’s best work. Strong as a bull, calm in possession, didn’t put a foot wrong. Fisted over a second half score to nudge the Tribe ahead again. 8.5
Cillian McDaid Played a lovely pass in for an early Finnerty score, but otherwise quiet in the first half. Grew into the game after the break and bagged a super point as Galway began to turn the screw. 7.5
Shane Walsh Came off against Dublin with a hamstring problem, and didn’t look quite right. Well marshalled by Gallagher. 6
Robert Finnerty Started like a house on fire, taking Mogan and McColgan apart in the first quarter. Mogan eventually got to grips with him, but always a threat. 7.5
Damien Comer Won most of what came his way, but unable to make those possessions count. 6
Substitutes
Johnny Heaney Had a shot blocked before McHugh sliced a late effort wide of the posts. 6
Daniel O’Flaherty Not on long enough to be rated.
John Daly Not on long enough to be rated.
Kieran Molloy Not on long enough to be rated.
Tomo Cullane Not on long enough to be rated.