Donegal Daily
  • News
  • Sport
    • GAA

      Termon senior ladies scoop Comórtas Peile Na…

      5 hours ago

      GAA

      Croke Park findings to be revealed to…

      12 hours ago

      Football

      Harps hit for six by table-toppers Galway…

      1 day ago

      GAA

      McGee hopeful of being ready for key…

      1 day ago

      Athletics

      Nakita and Theresa shine at VHI Women’s…

      2 days ago

      Athletics

      On your marks, get set for the…

      4 days ago

      Athletics

      ‘Special K’ for Finn Valley brothers on…

      1 week ago

      Athletics

      Letterkenny Athletics Club Notes

      2 weeks ago

      Boxing

      Pic Special – Boxer Paddy McShane honoured…

      4 days ago

      Boxing

      New boxing club opens in west Donegal

      1 month ago

      Boxing

      Jason Quigley to headline iconic Madison Square…

      2 months ago

      Boxing

      Quigley remains focused despite late opponent change

      2 months ago

      Football

      Harps hit for six by table-toppers Galway…

      1 day ago

      Football

      Frustrated Harps fail to take advantage of…

      4 days ago

      Football

      Dunfanaghy Youths FC finally get their new…

      1 week ago

      Football

      Bonagee book a semi-final place in FAI…

      1 week ago

      GAA

      Termon senior ladies scoop Comórtas Peile Na…

      5 hours ago

      GAA

      Croke Park findings to be revealed to…

      12 hours ago

      GAA

      McGee hopeful of being ready for key…

      1 day ago

      GAA

      All smiles and sizzling sunshine at MacCumhaill…

      2 days ago

      Golf

      Dunfanaghy golfers tee up for 24-hour fundraiser…

      1 week ago

      Golf

      Golf: Shaun lands top prize at Otway…

      2 weeks ago

      Golf

      Seán MacCumhaills Golf Classic returns on June…

      3 weeks ago

      Golf

      Cloughaneely Golf Club hosting Golf Classic on…

      4 weeks ago

      Hockey

      Raphoe Hockey scoop Intermediate League title after…

      1 month ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe complete double with Intermediate Ulster…

      1 month ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe victorious in Linden Cup Final…

      2 months ago

      Hockey

      Hard-fought win sees Raphoe close in on…

      3 months ago

      Hurling

      Disappointment as Donegal lose composure in Nickey…

      3 days ago

      GAA

      GAA Roundup: Good day for senior hurlers…

      1 month ago

      GAA

      Super win for Donegal hurlers in Nicky…

      2 months ago

      Hurling

      Brave Donegal U17 hurlers go down to…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Letterkenny RFC beat Cavan to reach Gordon…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Sadhbh McGrath (18) to make senior Ireland…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Anne Scott receives IRFU Spirit of Rugby…

      3 months ago

      Rugby

      Free pizza! Six Nations fundraiser to float…

      3 months ago

  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Travel
  • Features
  • Business
  • Property
  • Council News
  • Politics
  • More
    • Advertise with us
    • Haircare
    • Cooking
    • DD Pets
    • Hairdressing
    • Motors
Tuesday 23°CWednesday 21°C

Donegal Daily Donegal Daily

  • News
  • Sport
    • GAA

      Termon senior ladies scoop Comórtas Peile Na…

      5 hours ago

      GAA

      Croke Park findings to be revealed to…

      12 hours ago

      Football

      Harps hit for six by table-toppers Galway…

      1 day ago

      GAA

      McGee hopeful of being ready for key…

      1 day ago

      Athletics

      Nakita and Theresa shine at VHI Women’s…

      2 days ago

      Athletics

      On your marks, get set for the…

      4 days ago

      Athletics

      ‘Special K’ for Finn Valley brothers on…

      1 week ago

      Athletics

      Letterkenny Athletics Club Notes

      2 weeks ago

      Boxing

      Pic Special – Boxer Paddy McShane honoured…

      4 days ago

      Boxing

      New boxing club opens in west Donegal

      1 month ago

      Boxing

      Jason Quigley to headline iconic Madison Square…

      2 months ago

      Boxing

      Quigley remains focused despite late opponent change

      2 months ago

      Football

      Harps hit for six by table-toppers Galway…

      1 day ago

      Football

      Frustrated Harps fail to take advantage of…

      4 days ago

      Football

      Dunfanaghy Youths FC finally get their new…

      1 week ago

      Football

      Bonagee book a semi-final place in FAI…

      1 week ago

      GAA

      Termon senior ladies scoop Comórtas Peile Na…

      5 hours ago

      GAA

      Croke Park findings to be revealed to…

      12 hours ago

      GAA

      McGee hopeful of being ready for key…

      1 day ago

      GAA

      All smiles and sizzling sunshine at MacCumhaill…

      2 days ago

      Golf

      Dunfanaghy golfers tee up for 24-hour fundraiser…

      1 week ago

      Golf

      Golf: Shaun lands top prize at Otway…

      2 weeks ago

      Golf

      Seán MacCumhaills Golf Classic returns on June…

      3 weeks ago

      Golf

      Cloughaneely Golf Club hosting Golf Classic on…

      4 weeks ago

      Hockey

      Raphoe Hockey scoop Intermediate League title after…

      1 month ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe complete double with Intermediate Ulster…

      1 month ago

      Hockey

      Hockey: Raphoe victorious in Linden Cup Final…

      2 months ago

      Hockey

      Hard-fought win sees Raphoe close in on…

      3 months ago

      Hurling

      Disappointment as Donegal lose composure in Nickey…

      3 days ago

      GAA

      GAA Roundup: Good day for senior hurlers…

      1 month ago

      GAA

      Super win for Donegal hurlers in Nicky…

      2 months ago

      Hurling

      Brave Donegal U17 hurlers go down to…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Letterkenny RFC beat Cavan to reach Gordon…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Sadhbh McGrath (18) to make senior Ireland…

      2 months ago

      Rugby

      Anne Scott receives IRFU Spirit of Rugby…

      3 months ago

      Rugby

      Free pizza! Six Nations fundraiser to float…

      3 months ago

  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Travel
  • Features
  • Business
  • Property
  • Council News
  • Politics
  • More
    • Advertise with us
    • Haircare
    • Cooking
    • DD Pets
    • Hairdressing
    • Motors
GAASport Lead

Donegal cruise in Down but win overshadowed by Murphy injury

written by Chris McNulty June 27, 2021
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

ON A day when the sun beamed down on the Mournes, an ice pack became the story of the day.

Down 1-12 Donegal 2-25

By Chris McNulty at Páirc Esler. Pictures by Evan Logan

Donegal had 16 points to spare as they eased past Down and into an Ulster SFC quarter-final, but Michael Murphy’s injury remains the lingering issue after the captain was forced off with a little less than half-an-hour played.

Murphy, hampered by a hamstring complaint for the last month, watched on with his left leg strapped with an ice pack.

Derry are due in Ballybofey in a fortnight’s time for a quarter-final. Already, Murphy’s fitness seems certain to dominate the pre-match build-up.

His replacement, Jamie Brennan, thundered past Rory Burns in the 34th minute to put Donegal ten in front at the break.

The Bundoran man, also absent from recent squads due to an injury, made an almost instant impact. Brennan shrugged off the pressure of Ryan McEvoy before riffling high to the Down net.

Donegal’s Michael Murphy with a heavily strapped leg at half time of Sunday’s game. Photo Evan Logan

Patrick McBrearty top-scored for Donegal, firing in a 61st minute goal, adding to the six points already aside his name. The Kilcar man was Donegal’s chief marksman in the League and continued that form with an efficient outing here.

Caolan Mooney did goal for Down, who had to play the last 22 minutes with 14 men after Gerard McGovern, their full-back, was sent off for a high hit on Michael Langan.

Patton brilliantly denied Down sub Stephen McConville with a remarkable save to claw away his late attempt at close range, just after McBrearty finished at the other end.

The outcome was long since sealed by then.

Murphy scored two points and had his paws over much of Donegal’s early play.

Donegal’s Eoghan Bán Gallagher and Down’s Corey Quinn during Sunday’s game. Photo Evan Logan

The Glenswilly man limped off after only five minutes of the Allianz League game against Monaghan last month. Since then, questions were asked in hushed tones over his fitness.

When Michael Langan took responsibility for a 29th minute free on the left-hand side and Brennan de-bibbed on the sideline, it was clear what was coming: the board went up and Murphy headed for the stand.

Donegal, though, hit 1-3 before half-time to take a comfortable 1-15 to 0-8 lead into the interval, McBrearty knocking over a free with the final kick of the half.

In a semi-final last year, Down were stunned when Cavan eroded a ten-point lead to pip them at the post. Here, though, their task seemed as much impossible as improbable.

Donegal’s Eoin McHugh tries to escape the tackle by Down’s Corey Quinn during Sunday’s game. Photo Evan Logan

Five minutes into the second half, Caolan Mooney drilled past Patton after taking a pass from Liam Kerr.

Patton saved from McEvoy and O’Hagan blasted wide of the far post as Paddy Tally’s men started to ask some questions, but any chance of a comeback were completely dashed when McGovern was dismissed.

Donegal had to chew over the remnants of the 2020 final defeat by Cavan over the last eight months. Hugh McFadden, the Donegal midfielder, mentioned during the week how that loss was ‘something that we’ll never make peace with in one way’.

Donegal were stung hard after being caught by the Breffni and their quest to reach a 10th Ulster final in 11 years was tested with their ball drawn in the preliminary round.

Declan Bonner before Sunday’s game. Photo Evan Logan

They began with purpose.

McBrearty prodded Donegal in front after 80 seconds, slotting over after the customary spin onto the left boot.

Donegal raced into a four-point lead with Murphy’s brace followed by a neat McHugh score.

McHugh, with his usual zip looking back again, nipped over his second, but Down began to gather some momentum, spurred on by O’Hagan.

Both a Peadar Mogan point and the accompanying water break were gladly received by Donegal to regroup a little, only for O’Hagan to bring the Mournes to within a point.

Donegal clicked the gears to widen the margin.

Murphy’s absence had little affect on the outcome here, but his fitness will remain a central them another couple of weeks.

Donegal can only hope that his withdrawal was precautionary for time is not on the side of a weak hamstring.

Down: Rory Burns; Peter Fegan, Gerard McGovern, Gerard Collins; Pierce Laverty, Darren O’Hagan (0-1), Daniel Guinness; Caolan Mooney (1-0), Ryan McEvoy; Liam Kerr (0-2, 1f), Ceilium Doherty, Barry O’Hagan (0-8, 3f, 1m); Conor McCrickard, Liam Middleton, Corey Quinn. Subs: Stephen McConville for McEvoy (42), Danny Savage for Middleton (42), James Guinness (0-1) for Kerr (45). Cormac McCartan for Fegan (55), Kevin McKernan for McCrickard (58).

Donegal: Shaun Patton; Brendan McCole, Neil McGee, Stephen McMenamin; Ryan McHugh (0-4), Odhrán McFadden-Ferry, Eoghan Bán Gallagher; Hugh McFadden, Caolan McGonagle; Ciaran Thompson (0-1), Niall O’Donnell (0-1), Michael Langan (0-4, 1f, 1 ’45); Patrick McBrearty (1-6, 2f), Michael Murphy (0-2, 1f), Peadar Mogan (0-3). Subs: Eoin McHugh (0-1) for McCole (26), Jamie Brennan (1-1) for Murphy (29), Ethan O’Donnell (0-1) for Thompson (52), Conor O’Donnell (0-1) for N.O’Donnell (55), Paul Brennan for McGee (63).

Referee: Maurice Deegan (Laois).

Donegal cruise in Down but win overshadowed by Murphy injury was last modified: June 28th, 2021 by Chris McNulty
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

Tags:
2021 Ulster SFCDeclan BonnerDonegal GAADownJamie BrennanMichael LanganMichael Murphypatrick mcbreartyPeadar MoganRyan McHugh
Chris McNulty

Author of 'Boxing In Donegal: A History (2021)' - the definitive history of the sport in County Donegal - and 'Relentless: A Race Through Time', the 2019 memoir of former Irish Athletics Team Manager Patsy McGonagle. From St Johnston and now based in Letterkenny, Chris was a nominee for NUJ Sports Journalist of the Year in 2010. Honoured by the Donegal Boxing Board in 2016 for his coverage on the sport.

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Termon senior ladies scoop Comórtas Peile Na...

5 hours ago

Croke Park findings to be revealed to...

12 hours ago

McGee hopeful of being ready for key...

1 day ago

All smiles and sizzling sunshine at MacCumhaill...

2 days ago

“I’d swap all the compliments for a...

2 days ago

Signs of hope but gutsy Donegal comprehensively...

2 days ago

GAA: Donegal side named ahead of All-Ireland...

2 days ago

“We are well capable of getting something...

2 days ago

Hurling: Late surge sees Wicklow beat Donegal...

3 days ago

Disappointment as Donegal lose composure in Nickey...

3 days ago
Advertisement
Advertisement

MOST POPULAR

Donegal County Council
Advertisement

Sport Hub

  • Stay up to date with Donegal Sport Hub on Facebook

    1 year ago
  • Donegal links rank in Top 100 Golf Courses in the World

    1 year ago
  • Bundoran 10 Event set for March 2022

    1 year ago
See More

Donegal Woman

    See More

    Columnists

    Motoring - Brian McDaid

    DD Motoring: Here comes the Rotaflora!

    2 days ago

    Group Holidays - Travel Department

    Travel: Seven amazing reasons to visit Northern Cyprus & Cyprus

    5 days ago

    Pet Corner with Gary's Pet World - Michelle Kelly

    DD Pet Corner: Top tips to keep your dog safe at the beach

    5 days ago

    Career Advice - Rory White

    Leaving Cert Countdown: Tips for exam success

    1 week ago

    Healthy Living - Sorcha McElchar

    Burns overcomes challenge of Donegal man Erskine to become GAA President

    3 months ago

    See All Columnists
    Advertisement
    Donegal Daily Jobs

    Donegal Woman

      See More

      Read More

      • News
      • Sport
      • Courts
      • Jobs
      • Sales & Services
      • Obituaries
      • Features
      • Business
      • Politics
      • Council News

      Information

      • Contact Us
      • About
      • Advertise WIth Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Disclaimer
      • Terms & Conditions

      Our Sites

      Donegal Woman
      Donegal Woman
      Donegal Daily

      © 2023 Donegal Daily. All rights reserved.
      Website by owenod


      Back To Top.