Our hurlers lost their relegation play-off in Pearse Park Longford on Saturday and its Roinn 3A for Donegal in 2020. It looked like a third victory on the trot against Warwickshire as Donegal led by 0-8 to 0-2 while playing into a strong breeze as the game approached half-time. Two late first half points and a goal and a point within three second-half minutes put a totally different complexion on the game. The breeze dissipated and a degree of panic seemed to spread in the Donegal ranks as Warwickshire carved out a 2-10 to 0-14 victory to cement their survival in Roinn 2B. Donegal manager Micky McCann expressed dis-appointment in Donegal’s second half performance – “one of the worst” under his stewardship, and while Donegal dominated possession throughout and had put in a very good first half he credited Warwickshire in making the most of their opportunities and they deserved their win on this basis. The Donegal hurlers now need to regroup and get ready for their next major challenge, the Christy Ring Cup.
The Buncrana Cup, CLG Dhún na nGall u-16s had a narrow, but vital, win in Ardboe beating Tyrone counterparts 0-11 to 2-4. Donegal were caught cold early in the game as Tyrone scored 1-1 in the first two minutes but Donegal came back well before getting hit by a second goal just before half time to trail by five at the break – 2-2 to 0-3. However, they put in a strong second half and it was 23 mins in before Tyrone scored as the home team ended the game strongly but Donegal held on for a minimum score victory.
In Strabane on Saturday the Donegal minors also saw a first half lead melt away as Tyrone came from behind for a 1-11 to 1-9 win in the McGuigan Cup. Five points up early in the second half, Donegal faded over the remainder of the game. Donegal held Fermanagh scoreless, hitting 3-15 in their opening game and now must prepare for games against Cavan and Sligo.
By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO Mon 11th Mar
