Rory Gallagher praise for sensational Derry and their IQ afte Ulster SFC semi-final win over Monaghan

In the end, Derry were comfortable in accounting for Monaghan in their Ulster SFC semi-final, with manager Rory Gallagher saying they "were sensational at times".

The defending champions ran out 1-21 to 2-10 winners at O'Neills Healy Park, with Shane McGuigan helping himself to nine points.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport afterwards, Gallagher was more than satisfied with the evening's work in Omagh.

"It was a very satisfying evening; there's absolutely no doubt about that," he said.

"It's what you want to experience in sport, that is great days. I'm delighted for the players and the management team.

"There's no doubt with the ball we were sensational at times, the ease at which we play.

"We have good players, knitting together well, and are mad for learning. Their football IQ is phenomenally high."

Derry did concede two goals, another game where they have failed to keep a clean sheet. The manager would like a shutout, but admitted that a perfect world isn't always attainable.

"We were disappointed wit the first goal, switching off from the opposition kick out and then allowing Karl O'Connell the space to walk through. A job was done on him.

"You seek perfection but perfection isn't always realistic, as much as you might hope for it."

A year on from ending a long wait for a provincial title, Gallagher was asked about the improvement in that time. "No doubt we are better; there would be something Wong if we weren't," he said.

"Our role is to try and get the boys to fulfill their potential and that's all we want to do."

Shane McGuigan is looking forward to meeting either Amagh or Down in a fortnight's time and places great value on an Ulster medal.

"At the start of the year we set our stall out to get promoted and we did that. After that there