Donegal staved off Tyrone – but only just – to reach the Ulster Ladies SFC semi-finals.
Donegal 3-13 Tyrone 2-12
By Chris McNulty at Kingspan Breffni Park. Pictures by Evan Logan
Maxi Curran, the Donegal manager, had warned earlier this week that Tyrone would present ‘a far bigger challenge than people realise’ – and his words were prophetic as Donegal were pushed to the pins of their collar.
Donegal, who won the last two Ulster titles, led by four points, 2-6 to 0-8 at half-time, with Geraldine McLaughlin and Niamh Hegarty scoring the goals.
Within four minutes of the re-start, Donegal were nine points in front.
Karen Guthrie and Roisin Friel, a half-time substitute, tucked over points before McLaughlin fired in a penalty after she had been upended by Emma Jane Gervin,
However, the Red Hands, last year’s All-Ireland Intermediate champions, hit back with Maria Canavan – niece of Tyrone legend Peter – leading the charge.
Canavan slotted in a penalty on 43 minutes after Aoibhinn McHugh was fouled after having a shot saved by Aoife McColgan and a classy Canavan point narrowed the margin to five points.
Donegal lost Shannon McGroddy to a sin-bin 12 minutes form the end, but two McLaughlin frees steadied the wobbles.
Karen Guthrie flashed a low effort wide of the target and when Niamh McGirr lobbed into the top corner, after a fine move, Tyrone were firmly within striking distance.
Friel was inches wide after Guthrie drilled over from distance
The winter brought much change for the Donegal panel and the summer some evolution as Curran came to terms with a largely-new squad.
Donegal’s Karen Guthrie turns for goal during Saturday’s game. Photo Evan Logan
Yvonne Bonner, after a successful first season with the Greater Western Sydney Swans, has committed to another term Down Under, while the likes of Ciara Hegarty, Therese McCafferty, Sarah Jane McDonald and Aoife McDonnell have gone for pastures new.
The Donegal team had just seven players from last summer’s Ulster final – Treasa Doherty, Nicole McLaughlin, Emer Gallagher, Kate Keaney, Karen Guthrie, Niamh Hegarty and Geraldine McLaughlin.
After early scores by Geraldine McLaughlin and Amy Boyle-Carr, the teams were point-for-point, though Tyrone were grateful for a fine save by Shannon Lynch, their goalkeeper, who turned over from Kate Keaney midway through the half.
Donegal broke for their first goal in the 19th minute and it was a typically deadly finish from McLaughlin that broke the Tyrone hearts. From out on the right-hand side of the end-line, McLaughlin arrowed a cracking left-footed shot past Lynch.
Niamh O’Neill had two big goal chances Tyrone late in the first half. O’Neill bore down on goal, but was denied by a superb save by McColgan. With O’Neill electing for precision rather than power, her deft effort was tipped away by McColgan.
Moments later, O’Neill found herself with a sight of the target again, having been put clear by Niamh Hughes, but a first-time attempt crashed into the side-netting.
Meabh Mallon pulled Tyrone to within two, but when Hegarty struck gold, Donegal had some breathing space again. It isn’t a moment that Tyrone defender Slaine McCarroll will look back fondly on. McCarroll’s attempted clearance ended up a gift to Hegarty and the Moville woman made no mistake to put Donegal 2-6 to 0-8 ahead at the break.
Four minutes into the second half, Donegal looked home and hosed, but Canavan – who scored 1-8 in all – and then McGirr’s goal made sure that they had to fight to the finish.
Donegal now face Cavan next weekend in the semi-final.
Donegal: Aoife McColgan; Niamh Carr, Emer Gallagher, Nicole McLaughlin; Anna Marie McGlynn, Evelyn McGinley, Treasa Doherty; Katy Herron, Niamh Hegarty; Roisin Rogers, Kate Keaney (0-1), Shannon McGroddy; Amy Boyle-Carr (0-1), Geraldine McLaughlin (2-4, 1-0pen, 4f), Karen Guthrie (0-6, 3f). Subs: Shannon McLaughlin for Rogers (half-time), Roisin Friel (0-1) for Hegarty (half-time).
Tyrone: Shannon Lynch; Christiane Hunter, Joanne Barrett, Caoileann Conway; Slaine McCarroll, Niamh McGirr (1-0), Emma Brennan; Emma Jane Gervin, Neamh Woods (0-1); Niamh Hughes (0-1), Maria Canavan (1-8, 1-0pen, 6f), Aoibhinn McHugh; Niamh O’Neill (0-1), Meabh Mallon (0-1), Caitlin Kelly. Subs: Dearbhaile Gallagher for Kelly (45), Tori McLaughlin for McCarroll (54), Sasha Byrne for McHugh (60).
Referee: Brendan Rice (Down).
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