DONEGAL will play Mayo in the All-Ireland final as the men from the West saw off a startling Dublin comeback to win an incredible match at Croke Park.
The Mayo men finally saw off the All-Ireland champions by 0-19 to 0-16 in today’s semi-final.
The referee played an extra seven minutes of the match; two more than had been called as the Dubs went for goal.
It was a pulsating game – and a sometimes violent match – as repeated Dublin fouls on Mayo players left one of them in hospital and another with blood pouring from a head wound.
Mayo had gone in at half-time leading 0-12 to 0-06.
And they stormed ahead in the second half, leading at one stage by ten points.
But Dublin staged one of the great comebacks in front of 81,364 at Croke Park reducing the deficit to just three points.
And then Bernard Brogan went for goal, only to see his shot saved brilliantly saved by Clarke.
Within a minute O’Connor missed a sitter for Mayo – putting a goal chance wide.
The Connacht champions held on to set up a first ever All-Ireland final clash with Donegal.
TV pundit and 1993 All-Ireland winner Joe Brolly said the Mayo win was “a victory for Donegal” saying the Ulster Champions will fancy their chances in a final against Mayo rather than Dublin.
Brolly – who will be at O’Donnell Park on September 14th – also poked fun at Pat Spillane after the game.
The Kerry legend said that teams like Donegal and Mayo had been too nice in the past.
“The Donegal fans weren’t too nice to you last week Spillane – and quite right too after what you said,” said the Derryman.
Tags:
