The Donegal League’s Oscar Cup journey came to and end in Athlone after opponents Waterford came from behind to win 3-2.
Things got off to the perfect start for John Doogan’s side after Matthie Crossan headed home Joel Gorman’s cross in just the 8th minute.
Both sides had further chances in the opening half but it looked like the Donegal League would go in ahead at half-time.
However, Waterford levelled in the 43th minute when Conor Whittle nipped into the area and lobbed Mark Anthony McGinley.
But the Donegal League managed to get their noses in front again in the second half as veteran Michael Funston drilled a low shot past the Waterford goalkeeper Gavin Buckley.
Former Finn Harps man Funston was replaced a while later and John Doogan’s men seemed to miss the shape he had provided.
Mark O’Keeffe had the Blues level again in the 68th minute when he slipped the ball past an advancing McGinley as the Donegal side tried to spring the offside trap.
The Donegal outfit were still trying to find their composure when Waterford struck again in the 74th minute when Luke Walsh found the top corner from the edge of the box to make it 3-2.
Subs Nathan Plumb and Darren McElwaine tried desperately to grab an equaliser but couldn’t break down a resolute Waterford defence.
A late shout for a penalty saw Donegal League manager John Doogan complain and he received a second yellow card.
A tight affair which could have gone either way but the Donegal League can hold their heads high after a magnificent run in the competition.
Donegal League: Mark Anthony McGinley; Paul Boyle, Matthew Crossan, James Doherty (Brendan Doherty 75), Ryan Lonergan; Michael Funston (Darren McElwaine 66), Joel Gorman, Shane McNamee (Lee McMonagle 81), Mark Forker (Zach Gorman 81); Eddie O’Reilly (Nathan Plumb 87), Adrian Delap.
Waterford District League: Gavin Buckley, Adam Conway, Luke Walsh, Darryl Walsh, Danny Reynolds (Conor Signorelli 90), Adham Mazood, Conor Whittle, David Cooley (Andrew Power 90), Michael Brennan (John Frederick Tamen 54); Mark O’Keeffe, Charlie Binions.
