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Hugh McFadden of Donegal celebrates with the whistle full time
A summary of the action from Sunday’s soccer championship, with matches in all four provinces.
Donegal 1-13 Tyrone 1-11
There has been a lot of talk in recent weeks about the impact of “winter football” on the championship. We received our reply on Sunday afternoon. Played in terrible conditions like Páirc Mhic Chumhaill in Ballybofey, Donegal vs Tyrone was a real war of attrition. The crosswind caused problems for shots from both sides, while the rain slowed the pace.
It was the Red Hands who adapted best in the early stages. Darren McCurry, Mattie Donnelly and Conor McKenna were instrumental as they took a 0-5 to 0-1 lead on the first half water break.
However, the home team dominated the second quarter.
A long kick from Shaun Patton found Peadar Mogan, who was playing on Michael Langan. The man from the San Miguel club was not wrong and sped past Niall Morgan. More points from Paul and Jamie Brennan, as well as Ciarán Thompson, helped them take a 1-5 to 0-6 lead at the break.
Kieran McGeary of Tyrone in action against Ciaran Thompson of Donegal
Conditions became an even more significant factor in the second half, and Tyrone was the one who restarted the strongest. Darragh Canavan announced himself on the senior championship scene with a well taken point, and seconds later he pounced for a goal.
Errigal Ciaráin’s man took advantage of a handling error by Eoghan Bán Gallagher and shoved him into Patton’s net.
But Tír Chonaill’s men responded brilliantly, with four consecutive points to retake the lead. It was an advantage they weren’t going to give up as Donegal gritted his teeth and struggled to cross the line.
Mickey Harte’s team failed to kick from Canavan’s goal in the 42nd minute, scoring just two more points.
Tyrone is out of the championship. Donegal will face Armagh in the semi-final of the Ulster Championship, a game that will be live and exclusive on Sky sports.
Michael Langan celebrates after scoring his goal
Donegal: Shaun Patton; Stephen McMenamin, Neil McGee, Eoghan Bán Gallagher; Ryan McHugh, Paul Brennan (0-1), Peadar Mogan; Hugh McFadden, Caolan McGonigle; Ciarán Thompson (0-7 – 0-5 free), Niall O’Donnell, Michael Langan (1-2); Jeaic McKelvey, Michael Murphy, Jamie Brennan (0-2).
Subs: Oisin Gallen (0-1)
Tyrone: Niall Morgan (0-1 – 0-1 45); Liam Rafferty, Ronan McNamee, Frank Burns (0-1); Tiernan McCann, Michael O’Neill, Michael McKernan; Brian Kennedy, Mattie Donnelly (0-1); Kieran McGeary, Conor McKenna (0-1 – 0-1 free), Conor Meyler; Darren McCurry (0-3 – 0-1 free), Peter Harte (0-1), Darragh Canavan (1-1).
Subs: Mark Bradley (0-2)
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Derry 0-15 Armagh 0-17
Orchard County is in the bottom four, after seeing a second-half comeback from Rory Gallagher’s side.
Kieran McGeeney’s team led by five at halftime, but Oak Leaf County came back and slashed the margin to a single point in injury time. However, Rian O’Neill appeared with a late score to seal the victory by two points and secure progression to the provincial semifinal.
Following last week’s promotion to Division 1, Armagh will be hopeful ahead of his showdown with Donegal in two weeks.
Chrissy McKaigue of Derry and Rian O’Neill of Armagh fight during the contest
Leitrim 0-10 May 2-15
Goals from Tommy Conroy and Cillian O’Connor on either side of the break helped Mayo set up a Connacht Championship semifinal against Roscommon, after a close win over Leitrim.
James Horan’s team encountered a real challenge, as the home side took a 0-4 to 0-0 lead in the early stages at the Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada.
However, Mayo’s class began to show itself as they slowly established themselves to lead 1-6 to 0-6 at the break.
Ballintubber O’Connor’s star 3-pointer after the break brought light between the teams as Mayo finished strong to secure an 11-point victory.
Tommy Conroy scores May’s first goal
Tipperary 2-11 Clare 1-11
Conor Sweeney’s 1-4 saw Tipperary knock out Clare at the Munster Championship, while the Premier achieved a laborious victory at Semple Stadium.
Sweeney found the net in the first half to help the hosts take a 1-6-0-5 lead at halftime. A goal from Bill Maher pushed Tipp forward. David Power’s team contained a late onslaught from Banner, when Gavin Cooney found the net to bring it back to three points.
Tipp will face Limerick in the Munster semi-final, after the Treaty beat Waterford on Saturday night.
Gary Brennan de Clare in action against Conal Kennedy of Tipperary
Leinster Soccer Championship
Offaly, Longford and Wicklow advanced to the quarterfinals of the Leinster championship.
Faithful County beat Carlow, 3-14 to 0-20. An early goal from Darren Gallagher helped Longford beat Louth, 1-9 to 1-7. Meanwhile, Davy Burke’s charges backed last week’s victory over Wexford in the deciding game of the National League promotion.
Watch Inside The Game, our weekly GAA talk show, every Wednesday night on Sky Sports Mix.
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