Despite having to totally rejig the half-back line that started in the Ulster SFC defeat by Donegal which ended their hopes of a third straight provincial title, Derry started well as a trademark long-range point from Paul Cassidy was quickly followed by a fisted Emmett Bradley score after a neat Conor Glass lay-off.
Galway’s opening attacks were easily repelled by the Derry defence and even though Johnny Heaney and Matthew Tierney levelled matters by the 11th minute, the Oak Leafers still looked composed.
McGuigan and Ciaran McFaul scores twice edged Derry one up only for Galway to reply but then came the game’s pivotal moment as McKinless received his marching orders.
The impressive Robert Finnerty kicked the resultant free to put Galway ahead for the first time and they were never behind thereafter.
Further scores from outstanding trio Conroy, Finnerty and Daly left the home side 0-8 to 0-6 ahead at the break, with McGuigan replying just before half-time, with a magnificent left-footed effort on the turn.
Derry’s half-time stats didn’t make pretty reading with Mickey Harte’s side having kicked five wides in addition to dropping four efforts into Connor Gleeson’s hands.
The Oak Leafers initially appeared to have regrouped after the break as scores from Glass and the impressive Lachlan Murray levelled the contest.
However, backchat from the subdued Brendan Rogers made a difficult free much easier for Finnerty and it soon got much worse for Derry as Matthew Tierney intercepted a short Odhran Lynch kickout before releasing charging skipper Kelly, whose initial shot was blocked by Diarmuid Baker, before he fisted the rebound to the net.
Shane Walsh finally showed his swagger as he hit two points in a minute to extend Galway’s lead to six by the 52nd minute.
Desertmartin youngster Murray bravely attempted to take the fight to Galway by hitting two more scores which left a kick of the ball between the sides with eight minutes remaining.
McGuigan immediately attempted to get Derry on terms as he let fly at goal but the shot was straight at Gleeson and the ball was immediately worked downfield as Darcy exchanged hand passes with Daniel O’Flaherty before palming the ball into the Oak Leaf net.
That effectively was that despite some late Derry huff and puff.
