Kevin McCloy (left) battles with Conall Keaney at Croke Park

"If a couple of those goal chances near the end had gone in, it would have been a different story," said McCloy after the 0-18 to 0-15 defeat at Croke Park.

McCloy was named man-of-the-match but it was small consolation.

The Derry captain lined out having had surgery last week after he had sustained a broken finger.

"We came into the game with a couple of injured men. Even myself, I came through surgery last week and up to 10 minutes before the game, Paddy (Crozier) didn't know what team was starting.

"Dublin were very strong all over the pitch but our lads went out and put on a good show today."