All-Ireland SFC: McGuinness laments lack of consistency in Donegal exit

A major turning point came at the start of extra time when Murphy and Jason McGee were among four players shown black cards after brawling at the end of normal time.

McGuinness felt the sanctions made an already difficult task even more difficult.

“It didn’t help matters, and we didn’t know what was going to happen in the dressing room,” he said.

“When you have two guys, it’s tough enough under the new rules. Teams are looking for those spots, and that’s what happened.

“The lads were doing their best, but Dublin’s new players came off the bench while some of our lads played the whole game.”

The Donegal manager also pointed to the increased physical demands of the new rules, arguing that the intensity of the game has increased significantly.

“The games are probably 30 or 35 percent more intense than before,” he added.

“You’re trying to manage players and get as many healthy bodies on the line as possible. Every county is dealing with that.”

Entering the championship as one of the favorites after reaching last year’s All-Ireland final, McGuinness believes Donegal have finally paid the price for inconsistency.

“There’s a lot of talented players in that dressing room, and they’ve shown that over the last couple of years,” he said.

“But it’s consistency. That’s what it’s about. We weren’t consistent enough.”

Donegal’s season is now over, while Dublin head into Monday’s quarter-final draw.