Donegal keep powder dry as Small’s strike is big difference for Dubs
BUT for the possibility of being a quiz question at some point, this is a game that would be gladly forgotten.
The GAA’s fixture scheduling can throw up some odd quirks at times. This, though, was one to beat the lot: a Division 1 semifinal that could offer no prospect of a decider to either side.
Kerry’s 6-15 to 1-14 defeat of Tyrone earlier in the evening meant the chance of a Division 1 final was gone before a ball was kicked in Cavan.
With Donegal due out in the Ulster SFC in two weeks’ time, progression was never available for Declan Bonner’s side.
Dublin, spurred by Paddy Small’s goal in the first half, stayed at an arm’s length once they got their noses in front and earned a share of the title with Kerry.
Fed by Cormac Costello, Small cooly got around Shaun Patton to tuck home the opening goal.
Just four minutes earlier, Ciarán Kilkenny drew Dublin level for the third time, but a a quick-fire 1-3 all of a sudden had the Dubs in front by five.
When Ciarán Kilkenny clipped over three minutes into the second half, Dublin were leading by double scores, 1-11 to 0-7.
With Championship in mind, Declan Bonner rang the changes and didn’t risk full-back Neil McGee. Donegal were without Michael Murphy, the captain’s recent hamstring injury seeing him kept in storage until the Championship.
In his absence, Patrick McBrearty carried the fight for Donegal with six points, but a late goal from Eoghan McGettigan proved just a footnote in the tale.
A tepid opening was in keeping with the low stakes nature of the tie, although Donegal were relieved after almost getting caught in the early moments.
Niall Scully tried his luck with Donegal keeper Patton way off his line. After James McCarthy nipped in to rob Michael Langan of possession, Scully’s effort trailed wide. Donegal’s respite was only temporary, though.
A superb point from Patrick McBrearty, arching over from the right-hand side, and a tidy effort by Odhrán Mac Niallais kept Donegal in front.
Cormac Costello clipped over a free to draw the Dubs level, but Donegal were in front, 0-5 to 0-4, at the first water break thanks to Caolan McGonagle’s point.
Dublin led for the first time when Con O’Callaghan fisted over in the 26th minute and they were soon in front as Small fired home on the half-hour.
By then, Mac Niallais – making his first Donegal start since ending his inter-county exile – was off injured, surely a worry with a Championship joust with Down to come in two weeks’ time.
Caolan McGonagle’s second of the evening reduced Donegal’s arrears just before half-time, when Dublin led 1-8 to 0-7.
Donegal’s forwards had little possession in the first half, but it took a telling intervention by Small to keep the Ulster side out on 15 minutes.
Langan rose to collect an Evan Comerford kick-out and went to release Mac Niallais, but Small intercepted to deny Donegal.
Small’s strike at the other end put Dublin in command and, athough a trio by McBrearty, kept Donegal’s hopes alive, the Dubs stayed in control.
Sean McMahon, Brian Fenton and Kilkenny scored rapid points at the start of the second half and, from there, the end result never felt in doubt.
O’Callaghan could have netted when fed by Seán Bugler’s first touch, but the Cuala man settled for a point. At the other end, Oisín Gallen might have reduced Donegal’s disadvantage, but Comerford saved well from the flame-haired attacker.
Late in the game, McGettigan netted after good work by fellow substitute Tony McClenaghan.
Soon, Donegal were huddled in the middle of Breffni Park, their minds surely already turned – if they weren’t already – to their Championship opener.
DUBLIN: E Comerford; M Fitzsimons (P McMahon 61), D Byrne, S McMahon; E Murchan (E Lowndes h-t), P Ó Cofaigh Byrne (T Lahiff 54), P Small (S Carthy 68); B Fenton, J McCarthy; B Howard, C O’Callaghan, N Scully (A Byrne 54); C Basquel (S Bugler 50), C Kilkenny (C McHugh 61), C Costello.
Scorers: P Small (0-1m) 1-3, C Costello (5f, 1 45) 0-6, C O’Callaghan 0-3, C Kilkenny 0-2, A Byrne, S McMahon, B Fenton, B Howard 0-1 each.
DONEGAL: S Patton; S McMenamin (C Ward h-t), B McCole, E McHugh (T McClenaghan 63); R McHugh, O McFadden-Ferry (E Doherty 54), E O’Donnell; C McGonagle (C O’Donnell 28), H McFadden (J McGee 56); C Thompson, O Mac Niallais, N O’Donnell (D Ó Baoill 56); P McBrearty, M Langan, O Gallen (E McGettigan 54).
Scorers: P McBreaty (2f,1m) 0-6, E McGettigan 1-1, M Langan, C McGonagle 0-2 each, O MacNiallais, N O’Donnell, B McCole 0-1
Referee: C Brannigan (Down)