First steps on any journey are rarely the moment given the most attention on the road to glory. For Donegal’s players the pressure to take that first step – yesterday in Ballybofey, against Tyrone – had been building for some time, as commentary and criticism of the All Ireland champions seeming total focus on the championship, at the expense of the league, drew attention from all corners of Ireland.

Michael Murphy spoke to Newstalk’s Oisin Langan about the build-up to the game, and how that pressure had been mounting as all eyes had long ago turned to the Ulster quarter final duel with Tyrone.

“It’s lovely to get over the line. It’s only the one step, and that how well look at it,” Murphy said.
“There was a lot made that we were trying to focus on this date. Thanks be to god this day came and we managed to get the win.”

Muprhy admitted the talk of the day had not gone unnoticed in the Donegal camp. “There’s been a lot made of it. We’ve been criticised for it too,” and it had built up to make the early moments of yesterday’s game tinged with a “bit of nerves, going out to a packed house in Ballybofey.”

Listen to Murphy’s full interview with Oisin Langan via the player below 

Image: Donegal's captain Michael Murphy leads his team out before the game
©INPHO/James Crombie