'Our lads were fantastic' - Joyce hails Galway display

Galway manager Padraic Joyce celebrates with Robert Finnerty after the win over Donegal

Galway boss Padraic Joyce believes his team's experience was crucial in overcoming Donegal in the All-Ireland SFC semi-final at Croke Park.

The Tribesmen edged a tight tussle to come out 1-14 to 0-15 winners and set up a meeting with Armagh in the 28 July decider.

"Our little bit of experience probably told near the end - it's great, our lads were fantastic and overall it was a great game of football." said Joyce.

"We've one more fence to jump. Donegal were fantastic and to come from where they've come in the last 12 months is outstanding work."

The return of Jim McGuinness as Donegal manager has rejuvenated the team and they won promotion to Division One before securing an Ulster title triumph.

Donegal stayed in touch with Galway in a largely defensive duel but missed late chances as the Tribesmen followed up their shock win over Dublin to progress to their second final in three years.

"Both sides went at it really hard - I know it was a bit defensive but every score had to be earned. There were no soft scores there.

"We probably got a lucky bounce for the goal. Semi-finals are about winning, no matter how you win and we got a couple of breaks near the end but we'll take them."

Galway will meet familiar foes in the final after Armagh defeated Kerry in extra-time on Saturday.

"This will be our fourth meeting in championship football in the last three years and we know them inside out.

"We won the first one, they won the next game and the last one was a draw. Hats off to them [for beating Kerry], they put in a fantastic performance and I'm delighted for Kieran [McGeeney] for getting over the line.

"We'll both get our counties ready - there's going to be massive excitement. Armagh will bring great colour, our supporters brought great colour here so it's something we'll look forward to and may the best team win."