Cork ladies return to the summit
O’Reilly to retirement while doubts surround the futures of Briege Corkery and Rena Buckley, and yet silverware was still secured.
Donegal beat Cork in Mallow during the group stages and their odds tumbled in the days approaching the game. At half-time, they were very much in the hunt, trailing by 1-9 to 2-8 but caught by two sucker-punch Cork goals.
Within 19 seconds, Cork had the ball in the net as Finn profited from the throw-in with a smashing finish. And yet Donegal, who lost Kate Keeney to an early injury, rallied to level at 1-1 to 0-4 by the tenth minute, with McLaughlin looking particularly dangerous.
McLaughlin fired home an unstoppable goal in the 16th minute to level matters again at 1-5 each and when Guthrie converted a free ten minutes before half-time, Donegal were ahead for the first time in the game.
Smelling danger, Cork responded with an Eimear Scally levelling point before the Éire Óg star netted in the 23rdminute, rewarding the approach work of Shauna Kelly, Bríd O’Sullivan and captain for the day, Doireann O’Sullivan.
Donegal remained competitive approaching the break and an impressive opening to the second half saw Micheál Naughton’s charges back in front. Niamh Hegarty goaled in the 37th minute, knifing through the Cork cover after taking a pass from Herron.
Two points clear, 2-10 to 2-8, Donegal had a platform, but Cork have been in worse situations before and were quickly level.
Both sides traded blows down the home straight, with Donegal missing several good chances while their fans expressed annoyance with referee Colm McManus, but Cork had the wherewithal to get the job done and retain the silverware.