Donegal’s league relegation seemed a distant memory yesterday afternoon, as they ran over Tyrone in the second half of their Ulster SFC quarter final in Ballybofey. The springtime talk of a loss of hunger and drive that had taken hold following the relegation seemed both premature and misguided, as Jim McGuinness’s side looked every part the All Ireland contenders.

Oisin Langan spoke with Karl Lacey in the aftermath of the win, and admitted yesterday’s championship opener had long been the team’s focus.

 “Our focus since Jim got us back in January was this game.

“We went through the league and unfortunately we got relegated then, but we were working on our game plan for today,” Lacey said.

The famed mental determination of the Donegal side was put to the test with league relegation. It was also, however, a major factor driving the side on throughout the spring as they kept their minds on the meeting with Tyrone.

“That’s something that Jim has brought to us since he’s come in three years ago, and that’s focus.

“That came into consideration again after relegation. The focus over the last four or five weeks was phenomenal, and it showed there today.”