I WOULD imagine the quote ‘don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened’ has been used in various households in Derry over the last number of days.

While the idea of the quote is very true, the reality of it is probably quite different especially amongst the Derry squad and management.

A level game at half time in an All-Ireland semi-final, I am sure in the changing rooms at Croke Park Derry would have very much fancied themselves to be in pole position at the end of the game. However in the aftermath of the game when it is all broken down and the snippets from the various camps are replayed, it is probably the case that Derry did not do enough in the 20-minute period when they were on top.

To only be three points in the lead after that time, which in effect is only one score, was not enough given how Derry had owned the ball for large periods of that.

While Galway did have wides in that period, most of them were either from a distance where Derry were quite comfortable to allow Galway to take the pot shot and any in closer were under pressure so from that point of view it is job done for Derry.

At the other end of the pitch, Derry were probably not aggressive enough in forcing the attack and forcing Galway into uncomfortable positions and fair play to Galway in that respect. They did not panic, they were content to sit in, something which is probably not as natural for them but it worked from their point of view and the direct quote from Rory Gallagher post game that “we probably just didn’t rip into them” is a good way to sum it up.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and in the after event we all learn different things and have the opinion, ‘sure isn’t it obvious that would happen’. When comparing the two teams, Galway are probably that bit stronger as a footballing side and also athletically. They have players who have been playing at a higher level for longer whereas Derry have had a quick ascendency through the ranks from Division Four to the top end of Division Two.

They certainly have by no means reached their limit and there is certainly some development to go, but at this present moment in time, when doing like for like comparisons, Galway are ahead. That doesn’t mean to say they were always going to win the game but if a number of their big players were to turn up, which they did, it would always be difficult for Derry.

There has been a fair bit of commentary since the game re the goalkeeper for Derry and the tactics employed. Just as a starter, Odhrán Lynch is the best option Derry have at number one, I don’t think that is in dispute.

As to the tactics Derry play and how they use him, I have no issue with a team deploying a sweeper-keeper. When Derry played Monaghan, there was no uproar about him playing a 60-yard ball to release Niall Toner in behind to set up Benny Heron for an early goal.

What I would say is that if you are going to play that role, Derry probably did not use him enough. There was a fair few times Odhrán came up the pitch, joined the attack and he didn’t receive the ball – that’s sort of takes away the point of bringing the ’keeper up.

I know you could say that his presence is there for Galway to keep an eye on and detract from someone else, but in essence if a ’keeper does make that 90-100 yard run, and then to not use him it sort of defeats the purpose.

With respect to the second goal which was hit into an open net, even though the ball was turned over up the pitch, it was not the ‘keeper involved in the turnover and at that time Derry had to force the game anyways. Sure you may as well get beat by 16 points as six points – there was no point in Derry holding back at that time, they had to go for broke.

All in, as the season ends we can all look back with great pride and fondness over the last 12 weeks. The county did row in behind the team and as momentum gathered along the way so did the sense of fun and expectation.

For supporters like me, it was really enjoyable to see my own wee lad and his mates embrace the big days and all that went with that. That might sound clichéd but it really is true.

That might not be much consolation for the players. Losing is tough but losing an All-Ireland semi-final can be really tough. I remember losing to Kerry in 2004, 18 years ago. I was only on the squad eight months so I probably imagined that more opportunities would follow suit. It wasn’t to be the case.

That was Derry’s third semi-final loss in six years, having been beaten in 1998 and 2001. The likes of Sean Marty Lockhart played in all three of those defeats and never got to a final so I just hope we don’t have to wait 18 years before we see another one but in this case I don’t think we will.