Sunday saw the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final match between Donegal and Louth finish with a comprehensive victory for Donegal at 1-23 to Louth’s 0-18. Consequently, Donegal have secured their shot at the All-Ireland semi-final where they will meet Galway. This is their first chance at reaching the final since 2014.
Donegal dominated the game with confidence and efficiency, scoring 1-21 from live play in what was a superlative demonstration of skill. Missed opportunities were minimal, with only three wides registered.
Key performances from Peadar Mogan, Ryan McHugh and Eoghan Bán Gallagher highlighted Donegal’s prowess in carrying the ball swiftly from deep positions. These three players combined contributed a significant 1-7 to Donegal’s total score. Michael Langan, Donegal’s midfielder succeeded in gaining three points, further frustrating Louth who were unsuccessful in managing Donegal’s various scoring options.
Louth displayed relentless effort and attempted to open spaces in the stubborn Donegal defence throughout the match, but trailed from beginning to end. Donegal gained a comfortable lead of 0-11 to 0-8 by half time.
Louth witnessed some success in the first half by obliging Shaun Patton to lengthen his kick-outs. A notable score from Craig Lennon in the first half was facilitated by Tommy Durnin’s impressive catch at centre field following a Donegal restart. However, Donegal’s swift passing game and proactive offence threats posed consistent challenges for the Louth defence.
The match was marked from the onset by McHugh’s stylishly executed point in the opening minute – a sign of things to come. Conor O’Donnell was facilitated by McHugh for Donegal’s third point, contributing to a difficult start for Louth, as they trailed 0-5 to 0-1 within the first 11 minutes of the game.
In a thrilling game, Sam Mulroy made a pivotal contribution to shrinking the deficit with his left-footed score. However, he was soon part of an unintentional on-field clash with team-mate Conall McKeever, which called for immediate medical attention. Mulroy continued the game donning a head bandage, while McKeever was obliged to retire from the game.
Patrick McBrearty managed a successful interception of a kick-out from Louth twenty-four minutes into the game, paving the way for Ciarán Moore to notch up Donegal’s seventh point. Yet, Louth bounced back with their most impactful offensive sprint, netting three back-to-back points, levelling the score to a mere point.
Nonetheless, Donegal countered this by establishing a game decisive lead on either side of the half-time, scoring five against Louth’s single point. The final points of the first half were scored by Mogan and Oisín Gallen, followed by Conor O’Donnell, Langan and Aaron Doherty marking the scorecard shortly after the second half commenced.
The much-anticipated goal manifested just before the hour-mark, with Gallagher demonstrating a superb understanding of the situation to score from close range after McBrearty’s ball hit the post.
Jim McGuinness’s return continues to impress. The journey might potentially lead all the way to the All-Ireland final day.
DONEGAL team consisted of Shaun Patton; Eoghan Bán Gallagher (1-0), Brendan McCole, Peadar Mogan (0-5), Ryan McHugh (0-2), Caolan McGonagle, Ciarán Moore (0-2), Ciarán Thompson (0-2), Michael Langan (0-3) featuring Shane O’Donnell, Conor O’Donnell (0-2), Daire Ó Baoill; Patrick McBrearty (0-1, m), Oisín Gallen (0-4, 1f), Niall O’Donnell.
The substitutes included Aaron Doherty (0-1) for N O’Donnell at half-time; Caolan McColgan substituted Ó Baoill (45 mins); Jeaic McKelvey for C O’Donnell (50); Jamie Brennan (0-1) for McBrearty’s spot (60), and, Hugh McFadden replacing S O’Donnell (66).
In Louth, the players included Niall McDonnell, Dan Corcoran, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny, Bevan Duffy, Anthony Williams, Craig Lennon who scored 0-1, Conor Grimes, Tommy Durnin who scored 0-4, Leonard Grey, Ciarán Murphy, Conall McKeever, Ciarán Keenan, Sam Mulroy scoring 0-6, four of which were from free kicks, and Ryan Burns scoring 0-2. Substitutes included Conor Early who scored 0-1, replacing McKeever at the 18-minute mark, Paul Mathews in for Grey, Liam Jackson scored 0-1 for Burns, Tom Jackson scored 0-1 for Murphy, all at the 43-minute mark. Ciarán Byrne scored 0-2, replacing Williams at 68 minutes, and Tadhg McDonnell replaced Corcoran at 71 minutes. The match was officiated by a referee named Joe McQuillan from Cavan.