Masters footballers face Donegal in All-Ireland decider

Wed, 18th September 2019

Dublin Masters footballers (over-40s) put their All-Ireland title on the line when the face Donegal this Saturday in St Faithleach GAA grounds, Ballyleague, Roscommon (3.30).

The Shield final between Laois and Leitrim/Longford Masters will provide the curtain-raiser (1.30).Dublin overcame last year's finalists Tyrone Masters in a high-scoring 1-19 to 0-17 semi-final while Donegal edged out Roscommon 1-11 to 1-10 in their semi-final.

Dublin defeated Donegal last year's in an All-Ireland semi-final replay, in two physical battles.

The Dubs, who are managed by Val Andrews, had five points to spare over Tyrone in Lacken GAA, Cavan last time out.In a repeat of last year's decider, that the Dubs won, Dublin trailed by a point, 0-9 to 0-10, at the interval before improving in the second half to run out victors in their All-Ireland semi-final.

Ciarán McGuinness' second half goal was the only goal of the game and the evergreen St Peregrine's forward also contributed two points from play.

Dublin's other scorers were Ray Cosgrove (0-5, 0-1f), Niall Crossan (0-5, 0-4f), Tommy Brennan (0-4), Joe Morris (0-2) and Damian Flanagan (0-1).

Dublin enjoyed an unbeaten run in their round-robin campaign, finishing off their regulation matches with a 4-17 to 1-8 victory over Kildare in Páirc Uí Mhurchú, Ballyboden.

Dublin's goals came from Ciarán McGuinness, Peter Murtagh, Ciarán Doyle and Johnny McNally.

By the interval Dublin were 1-12 to 0-3 clear with McGuinness getting the goal following good work by Tommy Brennan.

Dublin won five games and drew one (versus Tyrone) in the league section.

Prior to their victory over the Lilywhites Dublin had overcome Mayo (1-12 to 1-6), Down (5-12 to 0-10), Roscommon (2-17 to 0-9), Laois (3-11 to 3-7) and drew with Tyrone (0-13 to 2-7).