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Leinster Senior Schools Cup: Castleknock beat Belvedere 15-14

Castleknock College have beat Belvedere College and are the first team through to the semi-final stages of the Leinster Senior Schools Cup. Castleknock edged the tie 15-14 with thanks to a 64th minute penalty from Louis McDonough.

It was Castleknock who made a bright start to this game. They made some big carries early on with Ian Birmingham impressive at number 8. He was held just short of the line after a well worked line-out. However, tighthead Ben Griffin was on hand to stretch for the line to make it 5-0 on the scoreboard. McDonough kept pinning back Belvedere in their own half. Belvedere were giving away needless penalties. Moreover, Birmingham once again went  close to getting a try. It again came from the line-out. However, he was held up, but Castleknock kept the pressure on and Griffin was on hand to get his second try of the day.

However, Belvedere didn’t really threaten Castleknock until around the 20th minute. Eoin MacAdaimh breaking away but it came to nothing. Sargeant also broke through the Castleknock defence but he tackled well by Conor Delaney. That man MacAdaimh went close late in the half but once again the Castleknock defence held firm. Alex Watson and Conor Duggan bundling him into touch.

Belvedere began the second half well and much better than the opening half. They got a try inside the opening 2 minutes of the half. Darragh Coan did well making a good run to just short of the line, however, centre Peter O’Farrell was on hand to finish off the move. Double try scorer Griffin was sin binned just before the hour mark. Belvedere took advantage of having the extra man and Sargeant went over.

Belvedere leading 14-12 after Tormey’s conversion . However, just a couple of minutes later Castleknock took the lead from a penalty which ended up been the winning score. The penalty came after Belvedere players went off their feet in the ruck. McDonough stepped up to kick the resulting penalty between the posts. They managed to hold onto the one point till the final whistle to book their place in the Leinster Senior Schools cup semi-finals.

Scorers – Belvedere College: P O’Farrell, J Sargent try each, J Tormey two cons; St Vincent’s Castleknock College: B Griffin two tries, L McDonough con, pen.

Belvedere College: Daniel Hawkshaw; James Dillon (Joshua Maher 68), Jed Tormey, Peter O’Farrell, Eoin MacAdaimh (Will Finnegan 47); Finn McCarrick, Jack MacNeice (capt) (Patrick O’Farrell 68); Jonathan Sargent, Cal Marrey, Hugh Flood; Eoghan Murphy, Darragh Coan; Jonathan Ross, Zander Hayden (Daniel O’Driscoll h-t), Hugo McPeake (Ben McCabe 47).

St Vincent’s Castleknock College: Conor Delaney; Alex Watson, Fionn Gibbons, Conor Dunne (Will Hennessy 38), Jake Rooney; Louis McDonough (capt), Conor Duggan (Conor Mahon 63); Ben Bislin (Gearóid Quinn 65), Alex Creedon, Ben Griffin; Luke Callinan (James Duffy 65), Stephen Callinan; Fergus Stanley, Ciaran McCarrick, Ian Birmingham (Ethan Keogh 61-65).

Allianz Football League Division One Table and Round 3 summary.

Round 3 Results

Saturday 8th February

Dublin 1-15 Monaghan 1-15

Sunday 9th February

Meath 2-5 Mayo 1-9

Donegal 2-7 Galway 2-8

Tyrone 0-14 Kerry 0-13 

Summary: The third round of national league action was played out in difficult weather conditions as storm Ciara lashed the country with high winds and rain. It’s a credit to the ground staff all around the country that all the division one fixtures went ahead. The eight teams in action sever up some great football despite the conditions. All four games were close encounters with one draw and the other three games decided by a single point.

First up on Saturday night at headquarters was the meeting of Dublin and Monaghan. Banty McEneaney’s side will feel they left this one behind them. They were six points ahead as the clock ticked into the 70th minute. Kevin McMananmon’s goal cut the gap to three points. Sean Bolger picked off a brace of points before Davy Byrne levelled matters nine minutes into stoppage time.

All three Sunday games also went to the wire. In each of the three fixtures, the points were up for grabs as the games went in stoppage time.

In Omagh two late red cards were the game’s major talking point. Peter Harte walked for a second yellow on 58 minutes. Ten minutes later, while Tyrone were two-point ahead, Kerry’s David Clifford also got his marching orders for a second yellow. Clifford appeared to be dragged to the ground in a headlock by Ben O’Connell. Both players were booked. Despite Kerry’s protests, it was now 14 aside for the last few minutes. Tyrone held out despite for a one-point win.

In Letterkenny, the home side lead by 7 points early in the second half after Ciaran Thompson’s goal put them 2-05 v 0-04 ahead. However, Donegal would only score two more points. Goals from full-backs Johnny Heaney and Sean Kelly turned the game in Galway’s favour. Michael Murphy had a chance to snatch a draw at the death for Donegal, however, his late free into the wind drifted wide.

Finally, in Navan, two second-half goals looked like giving the home side their first points of the campaign. But not for the first time Kevin McLoughlin came to Mayo’s rescue. He hit 1-2 off the bench, with his injury-time goal proving decisive.

 

Farrell releases 13 players from squad

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has released 13 players from the current squad ahead of a gap weekend of the Six Nations. According to RTE Sport a squad of 23 players will train this weekend in Cork. However, the 13 players which were released will be able to play for their provinces in the PRO14.

In the PRO14 this weekend, Munster play hosts to South African side the Southern Kings, on Saturday Leinster also play South African opposition at the RDS, they face the Cheetahs. Ulster will travel to Wales to play the Ospreys, while Connacht have home advantage against Cardiff, both of these games are also on Saturday.

The released players include Connacht pair Ultan Dillane and Dave Heffernan. Max Deegan who made his Irish debut against Wales is also released back to his province (Leinster). In addition as is Dave Kearney, Will Connors, Luke McGrath and Ronan Kelleher. Munster pair Chris Farrell and Jack O’Donoghue have also been released from the squad. Ulster have four players released with Tom O’Toole, Billy Burns, Stuart McCloskey and Jack McGrath.

The 23 man squad contains the full side that faced Wales in the Six Nations including man of the match from the last two games CJ Stander. 

Training squad

Backs: Will Addison, Bundee Aki, Ross Byrne, Andrew Conway, John Cooney, Keith Earls, Robbie Henshaw, Jordan Larmour, Conor Murray, Jonathan Sexton, Jacob Stockdale

Forwards: Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Dave Kilcoyne, Peter O’Mahony, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, CJ Stander, Devin Toner, Josh van der Flier

Canning to play against Tipperary

Galway senior hurling manager Shane O’Neill is set to receive a massive as he confirmed Joe Canning will play against Tipperary in the upcoming Allianz Hurling League. The game itself takes place in Salthill on Sunday.

The meeting between the sides will the first since 2017 when Canning landed a super free in the All-Ireland semi-final to win the game for Galway. In fact, Galway then went on to beat Waterford in the All-Ireland final that year, their first title since 1988. Canning went off injured in the league loss to Limerick but his manager has said he was back training at the weekend.

Speaking to RTE about the 2017 Hurler of the Year, O’Neill said, “Joe is fine, he’s back training,”. The former Na Piarsaigh boss continued, “He just got a hurley in the elbow and his hand wasn’t working. It was just a nerve thing. O’Neill said there are no other injuries to report as his side prepare to face the All-Ireland Champions.

Four time All-star David Burke is also set to return to the setup after he has spent the last few weeks travelling. O’Neill didn’t confirm whether or not he will be in the contention for a start on Sunday. Daithi Burke is also set to return after an extended break having help guide Corofin to a 3rd successive All-Ireland title last month. The 27 year old has been one of the best hurling full backs the last decade scooping all star hurling awards in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

 

Who is the best Irish Footballer to play Premier League

The Premier League is home to some of the best players to have ever played the game, and the Republic of Ireland has certainly contributed to that success.

Down the years some of the best players in the division have been in the winning sides come the end of the season. There are also players from Ireland that have created some of the most iconic moments that the division has seen.

Unfortunately due to the money that the Premier League can offer, the best players in Ireland usually have to move across to England to play their football, but when they move back some of them do it with a host of winners’ medals to remember their time fondly. However, as you will discover from this list, not all of them left England as winners, but they did leave with the hearts of the fans. If you’re looking to be a winner, you can play some of the most exciting games at MobileBet.

However, who makes it into our top three Premier League players to have come from Ireland?

Roy Keane

Roy Keane was undoubtedly one of the finest Irish players to have played in the top-flight in England. Keano won everything that there was to win during his time with Manchester United. During his career, he won seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League in 1999. His finest moment for the Red Devils came during that run to the Champions League final, as he scored twice in Turin against Juventus to put on the greatest captains display ever seen on the continent.

Down the years, he has had massive falling outs with Sir Alex Ferguson and numerous other coaches, but it has never threatened to undermine what he did on the pitch for his team. One of the other iconic Premier League moments came when he clashed with Patrick Viera prior to a fixture between United and Arsenal at Highbury. The match itself saw a Keane-inspired United rally back from a goal down to win 4-2. That match epitomised what Keane and that United side under him were like. The never say die attitude, and the willingness to die for the team is something that no other side in the Premier League era could match.

Keane went on to enjoy a spell at Celtic following his controversial exit from Old Trafford where he won the SPL title, but it was his United days that ensures that he was the best Irishman to play in the top flight in England.

Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane in the Premier League was a sight that even opposing fans could enjoy. He was naturally gifted on the ball, and his eye for the back of the net ensures that he is the highest-scoring Irishman in Premier League history. He enjoyed success wherever he went. He started his career with Wolverhampton Wanderers before he was snapped up by Coventry City. An excellent spell with City saw a shock move to Serie A with Inter Milan.

However, after one season and limited opportunities, he moved back to England and signed on a permanent deal with Leeds United in 2001. After a full season with the club, he was signed by Tottenham Hotspur, where he would enjoy the best days of his career. He made 201 appearances for Spurs during six years with the club, and he scored 80 goals. The most notable of which was a frankly ridiculous piece of skill that saw him flick the ball over a defenders head before dribbling around Brad Friedel to score against Blackburn Rovers.

It was during this spell that he would win his biggest honour in English football. The 2008 League Cup remains the last piece of silverware that Spurs have won, and Keane was instrumental in the success. He left Spurs for Liverpool in 2008, before returning to Spurs once again the following season. After two loan spells, he decided to swap England for the USA, and he went onto win three MLS Cups with the LA Galaxy. He had a short spell back in the Premier League with Aston Villa in 2012, where he scored three goals in six fixtures. He will go down as one of the very best, at least in the eyes of the teams he played for.

Paul McGrath

This list wouldn’t be complete without the best defender that Ireland has ever seen. McGrath enjoyed a stellar career, which also included the first five years of the Premier League. He remains one of only five defenders to have won the top prize of the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and was an integral member of every team that he represented. He is still hailed as a god at Aston Villa, and they sing about him every week. His relationship with the fans of the clubs that he played for is just a sign of how highly he was regarded.

He is one of the defenders that should he have been playing in this modern era; he would have been worth triple digits. The current style of the Premier League would suit his game to a tee. He excelled at bringing the ball out from the defence and could run past players as quickly as they hoped to get past him.

His career could have been so different if it wasn’t for problems during his time at Old Trafford. The club accepted a fee of around £400,000 for him in 1989, and he went to Aston Villa. Despite being written off by Ferguson at United, he went on to play some of the best football of his career at Villa Park. He was an integral member of the squad that helped them escape relegation, before becoming an important part of one of the best team’s the league has ever seen during the 1992-93 season. He wasn’t to end his career at Villa Park without a piece of silverware, however, as he went on to win the League Cup in 1994 and 1996. He was truly a legend of the Premier League.

 

The five Irish-trained horses to back at Cheltenham

It’s less than five weeks to go until we hear that famous Cheltenham roar as the four-day festival in the Cotswolds gets underway.

Punters are already scrabbling for form guides and checking the latest odds, as they look for Cheltenham Festival tips. As usual, the leading trainers are represented en masse and if you’re unsure who to back at this early stage this year, don’t worry – our guide to the five Irish-trained horses you need to consider will make things a little clearer.

Al Boum Photo

You don’t need to check the latest odds on Cheltenham Festival 2020 to see who the favourite for the Gold Cup is. Al Boum Photo gave Irish trainer Willie Mullins his first victory in the meeting’s blue riband event last year and is the favourite ahead of this year’s race. The signs look good for the eight-year-old, who’s prepared in exactly the same way this year. In 2019, Al Boum Photo won the Savills Chase at Tramore on New Year’s Day in the lead up to the Gold Cup – the only race he entered en route to Cheltenham. It’s a pattern that’s repeated itself this year too – and strangely, both victories were by six lengths. Could he win the Gold Cup again – and by two-and-a-half lengths? YOu would get a great price with Betenemy for this to happen. 

Benie Des Dieux

Another from Mullins’ yard to keep an eye on, is mare Benie Des Dieux. The nine-year-old made her seasonal debut at Gowran Park last month, after eight months out, and in a scintillating return, won the Galmoy Hurdle by 21 lengths. Those looking for a competitive battle between Benie Des Dieux and Gordon Elliott’s mare Apple’s Jade were left disappointed, as she was pulled up and could well make her swansong next month. Mullins later revealed that Benie Des Dieux “could be better” than Annie Power, but has not yet confirmed whether she will race in the Mares’ Hurdle or the Stayers’ Hurdle next month. Since falling in last year’s Mares’ Hurdle, she’s been unbeaten with Paul Townend in the saddle.

Envoi Allen

Envoi Allen is unbeaten in eight races, a record that dates back to February 2018. The hot favourite for the Novices’ Hurdle didn’t race at the recent Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown. Instead, Elliott confirmed that his six-year-old would head straight to the Cheltenham Festival. On the decision, Elliott said: “He’s had three runs over hurdles and has plenty of experience. He’ll go for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at the festival.” At last year’s meeting, Envoi Allen won the Champion Bumper and it’s believed the gelding will enter the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on the opening day, rather than the Champion Hurdle.

Faugheen

Mullins’ veteran, 12-year-old Faugheen proved that age is just a number when he wowed at the recent Dublin Racing Festival. Winning the Novice Chase by half a length, not only did the gelding hold off the challenge of Easy Game, but also the other horses five and six years his junior. It was an 11th Grade One victory, as well as a 17th win from 25 races. ‘The Machine’ as he is known, is expected to bring the house down in the Marsh Novices’ Chase on day three of the Cheltenham Festival, although Mullins has not yet confirmed which of the three races he will enter. One thing is for sure, watching Faugheen take to the Prestbury Park track once more will be a memorable occasion.

Honeysuckle

The six-year-old mare, trained by Henry de Bromhead is set to enter the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, off the back of a recent win at Leopardstown. While Honeysuckle beat Darver Star to the Irish Champion Hurdle by half a length, her jumping was far from perfect and despite regaining the initiative to hold on for victory, an improvement will be needed ahead of next month’s race. Honeysuckle has eight wins from eight races, but will be making her Cheltenham debut and racing fans will be rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of a potential showdown against Benie Des Dieux – although form favours Honeysuckle.

Your beginner’s guide to the 2020 Grand National

The 2020 Grand National is just a matter of months away and already punters are scrambling for form guides and tips, looking for the best bets to place on the Grand National. 

Thousands of punters flock to Aintree for the prestigious race, whilst 600 million people around the globe halt to a standstill. It is believed that half of the adults in the United Kingdom place a bet on the National. However, many people don’t even know where to start. 

Well, not to worry as our beginner’s guide to this year’s race will make you nothing short of an expert and maybe even give you some stats to impress your mates with down in the pub. 

Where and when is the Grand National? 

The Grand National is held at Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool. The three-day festival takes places in April with Liverpool’s Day opening the meeting on April 2nd before being followed by the infamous Ladies Day. The National itself takes place on Saturday, April 4th at 5:15pm. 

How long is the race and how many hurdles are there? 

The race is somewhat of a marathon for the horses. The course is a whopping four miles and two and a half furlongs long, a full mile longer than Cheltenham’s Gold Cup course. There are 30 hurdles around the track, including 16 steeplechase fences – there is no wonder the Aintree course is considered one of the most difficult to complete. 

How many horses compete? 

105 horses have been entered for the National. However, between now and the final entries on April 2nd, the horses will dwindle down to 40, although, last year only 12 of those who started the race finished – the fewest for 11 years. 

What does the term ‘the going’ mean? 

‘The going’ refers to the condition of the turf underfoot on the day of the race. This is important as it can affect a horse’s race. If the going is soft it means the ground is holding more moisture and could cause a slower race, while if the going is firm, it means the ground is hard and can result in a faster face. Horses tend to perform better in certain conditions, so it is worth checking all this before having a flutter. 

Who is the favourite and how often do they win? 

Last year’s winner, Tiger Roll, is the industry’s favourite to win the National. Should the Gordon Elliott-trained horse win the illustrious race back-to-back, he would be the first to do so since the much-loved Red Rum in the 1970s. 

In terms of the favourite going on to win the race, it doesn’t happen as often as you’d think. In the last 10 Grand Nationals only two of the favourites have won – Don’t Push It in 2010 and Tiger Roll last year. 

Does the horses’ weight matter? 

Yes, horses carrying more than 11 stone rarely win the race, in fact, since 1983 only four horses weighing more than 11st have gone on to win the race – all of which came last decade. To narrow it down a little more, only two horses over 11st 5lbs have won the race since 1977 – Neptune Collonges in 2012 and Many Clouds five years go. 

Does the horses’ age matter?

Simply put once more, yes! There hasn’t been a Grand National winner under the age of eight for over 75 years, so avoid seven-year-old’s at all costs. In terms of what age to look out for, it has been mostly varied across the last number of years, so maybe keep an eye out for ten-year-olds, such as Tiger Roll. 

Other things to look out for when picking your horse

 

  • All winners since 1970, bar Rule The World, have won over three miles. 
  • Nine of the last 20 winners have jumped the infamous Aintree hurdles in the past
  • 18 of the last 28 winners have been no further than 10th in the betting. 
  • Irish-trained horses are always worth a punt – eight of the last 20 winners have come from the Emerald Isle.

 

 

Rossies do enough to see off Clare

Roscommon 1-08 Clare 0-04 

Roscommon did enough as they seen off Clare at a blustery Hyde Park on Sunday. The win now means they are back in the promotion hunt as Division 2 is wide open with Armagh going well.  However, it was Roscommon who were rooted to the bottom of the table before throw in.

It was all Clare in terms of possession in the opening stages, however, they failed to make that tell on the scoreboard. In fact it was Roscommon who knocked over the first two scores. Stack knocking the first score, which was followed with a point from Cathal Cregg from 40 metres. It was 0-03 to 0-00 after 10 minutes when Hubert Darcy was fouled. The resulting free was put straight over the bar from Cian McKeon. In addition, Clare although had a couple of goal chances but it was Anthony Cunningham’s charges who knocked over scores from Ciaran Lennon, Cian McKeon and Cathal Cregg to go in at the break 0-06 to 0-00 ahead.

Eddie Nolan was introduced at the break and he brought some considerable strength to aid Enda Smith in midfield. Firstly, Cian McKeon registered his third point of the day from a free after 39 minutes. David Tubridy eventually got Clare on the scoreboard from a long range free but in truth it was all Roscommon. Clare scored three points in added time in the second half with Eoin Cleary, David Tubridy and Jack Morrissey all pointing. Furthermore, Enda Smith registered a neat point for the Rossies, before Noel Gatley came up with a green flag that finally all but ended the game as a contest.

Roscommon: Colm Lavin; David Murray, Brian Stack (0-01), Mark Richardson; Niall Daly, Conor Daly, Richard Hughes; Tadhg O’Rourke, Enda Smith (0-01); Niall Kilroy, Cian McKeon (0-03f), Hubert Darcy; Donie Smith, Ciarán Lennon (0-01), Cathal Cregg (0-02).

Subs: Noel Gately (1-00) for D. Smith 35, Eddie Nolan for O’Rourke h-t, Finbar Cregg for C Cregg 62, Conor Hussey for Hughes 69.

Clare:  Stephen Ryan; Gordon Kelly, Cillian Brennan, Kevin Harnett;Dean Ryan, Pearse Lillis, Cian O’Dea; Ciaran Russell, Cathal O’Connor; Seán Collins,David Tubridy (0-02f),Dermot Coughlan; Gearoid O’Brien, Eoin Cleary (0-01f), Keelan Sexton.

Subs: Jack Morrissey (0-01) for O’Brien 49, Alan Sweeney for Ryan 55, Dale Masterson for O’Connor 61, Emmet McMahon for Sexton 65.

McCurry stars in Tyrone win over Kerry

Tyrone 0-14 Kerry 0-13

Darren McCurry starred as Tyrone claimed a narrow 1 point win over Kerry at Edendork. The game was due to be played in Omagh but the pitch was waterlogged. McCurry kicked 0-06 in a man of the match performance by Darren McCurry, while Niall Morgan also slotted 0-04 from frees.

Sean O’Shea opened the scoring for the visitors, but Niall Morgan’s free levelled matters. The home fans delighted to see their local hero pointing a super free. David Clifford once again showed his magic when pointing, he was dragging Ronan McNamee all over the field. Clifford would assist O’Shea for another score, before floating over a free. Michael Burns extended the lead 0-05 to 0-01 with 15 minutes played.

Kerry should have had a couple of more scores on the board but missed some scorable chances. However, they did find the radar with Clifford once again pointing. Morgan then knocked two frees one of them was from around 50m into the strong breeze. Kerry took a 0-08 to 0-04 lead at the break.

The intensity of the game upped in the second half. Mickey Harte introduced Cathal McShane on 40 minutes and he immediately made an impact winning a free which he converted. The scores were level 0-09 each after 50 minutes. Morgan then knocked over a 55m free as the Red Hands took the lead. Tyrone lost Peter Harte on 58 minutes through a second yellow card, black cards followed for Jack Barry and Ronan McNamee. Only 26 players were on the field not long after David Clifford was sent off on a second yellow card. Although it appeared he actually done nothing for the second one.

Darren McCurry kicked a sublime sideline but O’Shea pointed in response to leave the minimum between the sides. We were into added time at this stage. Darren McCurry kicked over an excellent point then from a mark which edged the tie in Tyrone’s favour. Tyrone winning but just about on a very wet and windy day in Edendork. McCurry picked up the man of the match award for his excellent performance.

Tyrone: N Morgan (0-04, 4f); N Kelly R McNamee, L Rafferty; T McCann (0-01), R Brennan (0-01), P Harte; C Cavanagh, C Kilpatrick; K McGeary, N Sludden, D McCurry (0-06, 3f, 1 s/l, 1 mark); D Kerr, F Burns, C Meyler (0-01, mark).

Subs: C McShane (0-01, f) for Kerr (40), K Coney for Kelly (47), B McDonnell for Kilpatrick (60), HP McGeary for Burns (68), M Cassidy for McCann (74)

Kerry: S Ryan; J Foley, T Morley, G O’Sullivan; P Murphy, G Crowley, G White; L Kearney, J Barry; M Burns (0-01), S O’Shea (0-06, 5f), S O’Brien; K Spillane, D Clifford (0-06, 2f, 1 mark), P Geaney.

Subs: D Moynihan for O’Brien (42), T O’Sullivan for Spillane (45), D O’Connor for Burns (53), T Walsh for Kearney (67), T Brosnan for White (72)

Galway edge four goal thriller in Letterkenny

Donegal 2-07 Galway 2-08

Galway came from seven points down to a edge a four goal thriller in Letterkenny on Sunday. It was a game Donegal will probably wonder how they lost. In fact they also had chances from frees from Michael Murphy and Ciaran Thompson late on.

Shane Walsh and Robert Finnerty posted early scores for Galway. Peadar Mogan raised Donegal’s first white flag of the game with 13 minutes played. It could have been better though as it was a goal bound shot that had to be tipped over by Conor Gleeson. Declan Bonner’s side wanted goals. Michael Murphy powered a penalty into the net on 22 minutes. This was after Gleeson clipped the heels of Brennan. The scores at the break was 1-03 to 0-04 in favour of Donegal.

Donegal had another goal within 7 minutes of the restart. This time it came Ciaran Thompson after he was delightfully assisted by Kilcar’s Ryan McHugh. Galway to their credit hit back with a goal of their own through Johnny Heaney who raided forward from corner back to finish past Shaun Patton in the Donegal goal. Shane Walsh knocked over a point and the gap was now just three points. Galway took the lead once again on 53 minutes Sean Kelly buried the ball past Patton. Michael Murphy cut the gap, but Shane Walsh knocked over two points, Michael Daly also pointing to put Padraig Joyce’s men in a good position. Murphy and Thompson had late scores to level and may be even win the game but Galway held on just about. Donegal will be massively disappointed as they came into the game as favourites.

Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 0-4 (2fs), SĂ©an Kelly, Johnny Heaney 1-0 each, Robert Finnerty 0-2, Michael Daly, Damien Comer, 0-1 each.

Scorers for Donegal: Michael Murphy 1-3, (1-0pen, 1f, 1 ’45, 1m), Ciaran Thompson 1-1 (1f), Jamie Brennan 0-2 (1m), Peadar Mogan, 0-1.

GALWAY: Connor Gleeson; SĂ©an Kelly, SĂ©an Mulkerrin, Johnny Heaney; Gary O’Donnell, John Daly, Cillian McDaid; Ronan Steede, Cein D’Arcy; Finnian Ó LaoĂ­, Damien Comer, Michael Daly; Robert Finnerty, Shane Walsh, Michael Boyle.

Subs: Ronan Ó Beoláin for Gleeson (32), Conor Campbell for McDaid (35+3), Paul Conroy for Ó Laoí (44).

DONEGAL: Shaun Patton; Caolan Ward, Neil McGee, Eoghan Ban Gallagher; Ryan McHugh, Conor O’Donnell, Odhrán McFadden-Ferry; Caolan McGonagle, Michael Langan; Eoin McHugh, Peadar Mogan, Paul Brennan; Ciaran Thompson, Michael Murphy, Jamie Brennan.

Subs: Niall O’Donnell for Mogan (35), Andrew McClean for McGonagle (half-time), Daire Ó Baoill for E.McHugh (55).

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