Donegal skipper Michael Murhy has revealed the only thing that mattered on Saturday evening against Laois was getting the right result and booking their place in the last 8 of the All-Ireland series for the third year running.
Following the crushing defeat to Monaghan in the provincial decider just six days before the clash with Laois, Murphy felt it was pivotal to show the correct character and resolve to bounce back and get over the line. 
Murphy said,
“We are by no means the finished article and today was all about showing the right character and getting the right result.”
“Scores were very hard to get Laois adopted a very defensive system and it wasn’t easy to break down, fair play to them they put it right up to us and were very physical throughout the match.”
“It opened up a bit in the second half and we eventually managed to put them away, but it was a huge battle and it gives us a wee bit of confidence to get over the line.”
Donegal were hurt following the shock defeat to Monaghan with perhaps the most worrying aspect of the loss was in the manner it happened.
With many cynics questioning whether Donegal had the hunger to win the All-Ireland for the second year in a row, however Murphy was delighted with the response.
“We came together after the Monaghan defeat, talked about it analyzed it and parked it.”
“We had a very positive week but we were dissappointed for the all fans that had travelled to Clones and witnessed us lose, but they travelled in huge numbers again to CarrickOn-Shannon and were happy to get the win for them.”
“But there’s a lot of improvement needed if we are to feature after next weekend.”