PADDY FLOOD cut a disappointed figure after seeing his team bow out of the All-Ireland U-21B hurling championship on Saturday at O’Donnell Park.
The Donegal manager (pictured above) felt as though lessons were learned in their 1-14 to 1-6 loss against Mayo and that they can be used in future.
“In reality, having won the U-21C competition, we didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “Mayo are a very good side and are operating at a higher standard. But after five minutes we realised that we were at their level. Things were physical and fast but we reacted well. We matched them in every aspect.
“We made more than enough chances but didn’t take them and that’s the disappointing thing. We missed 11 scoreable frees and against a team like Mayo you cannot do that.”
In Sean Regan, Mayo had the game’s outstanding player, with the Ballina Stephenites forward scoring five points from play.
“He was exceptional and took his chances,” Flood added. “We’ve definitely learned a lesson. But at the start of the year our aim was to play in the B competition and to be competing. A lot of this panel is underage next year and we will be looking for move it on from here.”
