Main pic: Nicole McLaughlin in action against Dublin this afternoon at MacCumhaill Park. Pic: NW NewsPix.
A brave Donegal crashed out of the TG4 All Ireland Senior Championship at the Quarter Final hurdle this afternoon in Ballybofey to a classy Dublin outfit.
Donegal 0-6
Dublin 3-12
Bolstered by a big crowd, the home side were still somewhat in the hunt at half-time when they trailed the visitors 0-3 to 1-06. However, the Dubs were always in control and powered further ahead on the restart. Two second-half goals from Player of the Match, Kate Sullivan, and Sinéad Aherne put the game well beyond Donegal’s reach.
Notably, Donegal’s potent forward line were kept to just three points from play.
Eimear Gallagher gathers possession for Donegal.
Donegal first half scorers were Suzanne White (02-f) and Niamh Hegarty with a fine score from play.
There were two changes to the Donegal starting lineup, All Star Geraldine McLaughlin was replaced by Niamh Boyle and Shannon McGroddy came in for Katie Dowds.
In the second half Niamh Hegarty was again Donegal’s greatest threat. Aided by the introduction of Karen Guthrie (0-1f), the home side fought hard but it just was a step too far for Maxi Curran’s charges.
Dublin are now through to the All Ireland semi finals where they’ll face Cork.
Donegal: Claire Friel; Niamh Carr, Abigail Temple Asokuh, Emer Gallagher; Amy Boyle Carr, Nicole McLaughlin, Tara Hegarty; Roisin Rodgers, Niamh McLaughlin; Susanne White, Katie Long, Shannon McGroddy; Niamh Hegarty, Katy Herron and Niamh Boyle.
Dublin: Abby Shiels; Niamh Crowley, Leah Caffrey , Niamh Donlon; Lauren Magee , Martha Byrne, Aoife Kane, Elish O’Dowd; Jennifer Dunne , Caoimhe O’Connor , Carla Rowe , Jodi Egan , Hannah Tyrrell, Kate Sullivan and Orlagh Nolan.
