Down shock Donegal to progress to Ulster semi-finals

Down pulled off one of the shocks of the championship with a superb display to defeat Donegal in the quarter-final in O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny.

Without their joint captain Michael Langan, Donegal looked at bay from an early stage and Down were sharp in everything they did.

And even when Donegal got back on terms midway through the second half at 1-15 each, Down pulled away again and two Miceal Rooney goals killed off any hope of Donegal retaining their Ulster title.

Odhran Murdock, Daniel Guinness, Miceal Rooney, Ceilum Doherty and Adam Crimmons were outstanding for the winners.

Michael Murphy had the opening score with a two point free on six minutes but despite having the bulk of the possession Donegal could not make it count on the scoreboard, hitting seving firrst half wides.

Down were in front on 16 minutes through Odhran Murdoch, Pat Havern and Daniel Guinness. Oisin Gallen got Donegal level but by the 25th minute Down were 0-08 to 0-04 ahead with Haven, Adam Crimmons and Guinness again on target.

The game to life in the final 10 minutes when Donegal got a fortunate break from a Conor O'Donnell effort for a point which dropped short.

The break came to Caolan McGonagle to fire to the net.Down went down the field and Gavin Mulreany made a magnificent save from Miceal Rooney and they came up the field and should have had a second goal.

Peadar Mogan found Michael Murphy who sent Ciaran Moore through one on one with Ronan Burns but he put his effort over the crossbar.Donegal went ahead through Oisin Gallen and Conor O'Donnell but Down hit back with Adam Crimmons levelling and Caolan Mooney firing over as the hooter sounded.

Down were again the sharper side on the restart and a magnificent goal from Daniel Guinness plus a two pointer from Pat Havern had them 1-15 to 1-10 ahead.

Donegal got the next five to level including a two pointer from Jason McGee but it only awoke Down once more.

They got a very debateable point from Odhran Murdock that looked wide from the stands but they pushed on to lead 1-19 to 1-16.

Donegal could not get back on terms and Miceal Rooney added a second goal to put his side five clear.

Peadar Mogan responded with a two-pointer but a second Rooney goal sealed the win for Down

DONEGAL: Gavin Mulreaney; Caolan McColgan, Brendan McCole, Eoghan Bán Gallagher; Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle (1-00), Finnbarr Roarty; Jason McGee (0-02,tp), Hugh McFadden; Shane O'Donnell, Ciaran Moore, Peadar Mogan (0-02,tp); Conor O’Donnell (0-03), Michael Murphy (0-07,1tp,4f), Oisin Gallen (0-05).

Subs: Daire Ó Baoill for Moore (40), Max Campbell for McHugh (47), Mark Curran for Gallagher (59), Shea Malone (0-2,tp) for Gallen (60)

DOWN: Ronan Burns; Peter Fegan, Pierce Laverty, Callum Rogers; Caolan Mooney (0-01), Shane Annett, Daniel Guinness (1-03); Odhran Murdrock (0-03), Ryan McEvoy (0-02,tp); Miceal Rooney (2-00), Ceilum Doherty (0-01), John McGeough; Adam Crimmins (0-04), Pat Havern (0-07,1tp,4f), Pearse McPolin

Subs: Liam Kerr for McGeough (45), Finn McElroy for Fegan (49), Jamie Doran for Mooney (57), Ryan Magill for McPolin (60), Ruairi McCormick for C Rogers (66)

Referee: Paddy Neilan (Roscommon).

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