Donegal 0-9
Mayo 1-17
Alan Foley reports from Ballybofey
MAYO’S FIRST-EVER win in Donegal means a place in the Allianz Football League Division 1 final with Paddy Carr’s side all but relegated.
A freakish set of results and a mammoth win over Roscommon could save Donegal, although in reality their demotion just needs ink for the rubber stamp. There is little evidence to suggest that a landslide win at the Hyde might even happen.
The home loss, only Donegal’s second in the league in 13 seasons in Ballybofey, gave little solace to the county’s supporters as the Academy debacle rumbles on. It was a depressing afternoon for those from the north-west under a bleak, grey sky.
Mayo had no such issues midfielder Matthew Ruane was the standout figure in an open first half, kicking three points from play to give his team an 0-11 to 0-6 half-time advantage.
Their threats were plentiful as they enjoyed their first-ever win in Donegal, with Aidan O’Shea, Ryan O’Donoghue, goalkeeper Colm Reape and Jack Carney scoring early.
Donegal contributed to the contest initially, with the score level at 0-4 apiece, with Ciaran Thompson kicking three of the hosts’ opening quartet. Shaun Patton had to have his wits about him to stop a piledriver from Fionn McDonagh as early as the eighth minute and the longer the half went on the more dominant Mayo were.
They finished out the half strongly, never looking back from when Paddy Durcan edged them back in front on 20 minutes. Ryan O’Donoghue’s goal two minutes into the second half, when he trudged through unchallenged and trundled his shot past Patton made it an eight-point game.
Mayo took the foot completely off the gas in the second half, although still outscored Donegal 1-6 to 0-3.
Oisin Gallen, Jamie Brennan and Michael Langan’s free were all Donegal could muster in the second period. Jordan Flynn put over two scores for the visitors after the break, with O’Donoghue bringing his total for the day to 1-3, while O’Shea and Durcan kept the scoreboard ticking. Substitute Paul Towey kicked the last point, with a brilliant effort from a tight angle.
But for a decent stop from Patton to deny substitute Tommy Conroy three minutes from time, the damage might have been worse. As it was, it was bad enough.
Donegal scorers: Eoghan Bán Gallagher 0-1; Ciaran Thompson 0-3, 2f; Michael Langan 0-3, 2f; Oisin Gallen 0-1; Jamie Brennan 0-1
Mayo scorers: Aidan O’Shea 0-4, 1f, 2m; Ryan O’Donoghue 1-3, 1f; Matthew Ruane 0-3;
Colm Reape 0-1, 45; Paddy Durcan 0-2; Jordan Flynn 0-2; Jack Carney 0-1; Paul Towey 0-1.
Donegal
Shaun Patton
Mark Curran, Brendan McCole, Caolan Ward
Caolan McColgan; Daire Ó Baoill, Eoghan Bán Gallagher
Caolan McGonagle, Jason McGee
Michael Langan, Ciaran Thompson, Conor O’Donnell
Peadar Mogan, Hugh McFadden, Jamie Brennan.
Subs
- Oisin Gallen for McColgan (HT)
- Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí for Mogan (43)
- Rory O’Donnell for Thompson (52)
- Joel Bradley Walsh for Brennan (60)
- Kane Barrett for Gallen (62)
Mayo
Colm Reape
Jack Coyne, David McBrien, Sam Callinan
Stephen Coen, Conor Loftus, Paddy Durcan
Matthew Ruane, Diarmuid O’Connor
Fionn McDonagh, Jack Carney, Jordan Flynn
Aidan O’Shea, James Carr, Ryan O’Donoghue.
Subs
- Tommy Conroy for Carr (47)
- Kevin McLoughlin for McDonagh (52)
- Padraig O’ Hora for Coyne (62)
- Paul Towey for O’Connor (69)
- Bob Tuohy for O’Donoghue (69).
Referee: Sean Hurson (Tyrone)
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Absolutely terrible decision that has to be a red card , high speed neck high challenge to stop a goal scoring opportunity. Very generous refereeing for Galway in that first half
Coen was a lucky boy
Terrible decision!
That was one seriously dangerous challenge and he should have walked . The short conversation with linesman had me convinced he was gone.
Hurling > football
Lower viewing figures, less participating counties…..
Hoping for a Galway win, Kilkenny will shade it no doubt!!
So the location of the match is at Old Trafford?
When did Mick McCarthy lose his lovely quiff & when did he start managing Galway ?
Boring. Kilkenny too good again. Hurling becoming a joke.
Galway resorting to Dublin tactics and being facilitated by ref
Zzzzzzzzzzzzz
You mean Kilkenny tactics?
Big time bottlers are Galway, not helped by some terrible refereeing
Galway can’t complain about refereeing, got 2 points from soft overcarrying decisions and should have had 14 men for the whole 2nd half
OMG Stick Wars !!
It was disgusting to see half of the Kilkenny crowd leave before the cup was presented, talk about arrogance.
Galway could have won it but the Cats ‘re the best for a reason, great second half display by them.
Maybe next year Galway…
Well done, Galway. A few stats! Galway all Ireland Intermediate champs, All Ireland Minor Champs, and 2nd best Senior team in the country…and the Ladies to come yet…Not bad, I suggest…
Keep it going, Galway.
Great Kilkenny team, no argument. But they will be stopped sometime!!
How can the 42 not get the full time score correct?
Great Galway display, against an indisputable set of Kilkenny legends. No doubt about that. But just remember a little stat (to the knockers!). Galway= all Ireland Intermediate champs, All Ireland Minor Champs and 2nd best Seniors in the country and all for 2015. And the Ladies Camogie has to come yet in the all Ireland… Not bad stats? So, Galway, well done, a credit to yourselves. And under great leadership.
Man of the stadium: Messi
Jonny Ryan a legend