O’Donnell kicks late winner for Donegal minors

DONEGAL 1-12 DUBLIN 1-11

A 59th minute point from sub Ethan O'Donnell saw Donegal progress to the All-Ireland MFC final after this exciting semi-final at Croke Park.

The Dubs led by the minimum, 1-11 to 1-10, entering the last ten minutes but it was Donegal who finished with a flurry when kicking the last three points of the contest and advance to play Kerry in the decider.

The early signs were good from a Dublin perspective as they showed good patience and maturity in possession to lead 0-5 to 0-1 after 21 minutes.

The interplay in the Dublin forwards was good with Jack Burke, Conor Kavanagh, Aaron Byrne and Con O'Callaghan (two) kicking points.

However, Donegal rallied in the last ten minutes of the opening half with John Campbell's 23rd minute goal a vital score and he quickly followed up with two points to steer his side into the break with a one-goal advantage, 1-6 to 0-6.

The second half ebbed and flowed with points from O'Callghan (two frees) closing the gap to one point by the 40th minute.

Dublin might have goaled shortly after but Conor Kavanagh's attempt was blocked, a minute later the highly influential Stephen McBrearty pushed the lead back out to two points for Donegal.

In the 46th minute Dublin did strike for goal when Jack Burke fired to the net after Colm Basquel's quick free was diverted into his path by Aaron Byrne and the Nh Maur's man was clinical with his finish.

A Basuel point moved the Dubs two points clear with 12 minutes remaining, 1-11 to 1-9.

But unfortunately from Dublin's perspective they failed to score again as point front Lorcan O'Connor, McBrearty and sub O'Donnell paved the way for Donegal's first victory of the day.

SCORERS – Donegal: J Campbell 1-2, S McBrearty 0-4, L Connor 0-3 (0-2f), C Mulligan 0-2, E O’Donnell 0-1. Dublin: J Burke 1-1, C O’Callaghan 0-4 (0-2f), C Sallier 0-2, A Byrne, C Kavanagh, C Basquel, E McHugh 0-1 each.

DONEGAL: D Rodgers; D Monagle, C Gillespie, C Kelly; S McMenamin, T McClenaghan, C Mulligan; N Harley, C McGonigle; J Campbell, S McBrearty, M Carroll; J Brennan, L Connor, N Friel. Subs: E O’Donnell for McGonigle (20-24, Blood Sub), C Morrison for Friel (35, Black Card), E O’Donnell for Harley (39), G McBride for Brennan (47 C Doherty for Campbell (54), C Bonner for Kelly (58).

DUBLIN: E Whelan; E Murchan, J Mullins, D Monahan; A McGowan, S Clayton, G O’Reilly; A Foley, E McHugh; C Kavanagh, C Basquel, J Burke; A Byrne, C O’Callaghan, C Sallier. Subs: B Howard for Kavanagh (49), D McIlgorm for Foley (55), W Egan for Byrne (56), A Fee for McGowan (59).

REF: D O’Mahoney (Tipperary).