Whelan: Back to the future for Ulster football

The tactical approach to the Ulster football final was reminiscent to Donegal's risk-averse set-up that led to All-Ireland in 2012, according to Ciarán Whelan.

Derry landed a first provincial title in 24 years after getting past Declan Bonner’s side after extra-time. While the contest had a nervy finish, it was a game short of quality as both sides were happy to hold possession for long periods with injecting penetration in attack.

It was the Oak Lefears who came good in the end at Clones and there were jubilant scenes afterwards as a strong Derry following lapped up victory.

Analysing the final on the Sunday Game, former Dublin footballer Whelan said: "It’s like we are going back to the future to a certain degree, back to 2012 when Donegal played a similar style of football where they dictated the terms of the game.

"They sucked everybody in and won a brilliant All-Ireland, the people of Derry won’t care (how they won). They will be delighted.

Once it got to extra-time, Donegal were out on their feet

"People will be critical that Donegal didn’t go for it. They didn’t get runners on the ball, inject pace and go at Derry and risk some turnovers.

"They got themselves back into the game and you felt they could have kicked on. Once it got to extra-time, Donegal were out on their feet."

"We've gone back to the future a bit here" Ciaran Whelan and Colm Cooper discuss the tactical jousting from today's Ulster SFC final... #RTEgaa pic.twitter.com/BVa3eUlVIX

Fellow pundit Colm Cooper noted that despite the competitive nature of the Ulster championship, some games have been lacking in quality.

"I think sometimes the way teams set up, it doesn’t translate well to later in the championship," he said.

"It will be interesting first of all to see