Late Shane Callaghan point sends Donegal U-20s into semi-finals as Derry fall short

Donegal U-20s claimed a dramatic victory over Derry on Wednesday night to finish top of their championship group and directly into the semi-finals.

The decisive moment at Celtic Park came right at the end when Shane Callaghan landed the winning score in stoppage time, punishing Derry after they had just battled back to level the contest.

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Ger Dillon looked to have earned the young Oak Leafers a share of the spoils with a late two-point free, but Gary Boyle’s charges had the final say thanks to their Glencolmcille sharpshooter.

The game itself had struggled to ignite for long stretches and really only opened up in the closing quarter.

The visitors couldn’t have asked for a better start, hitting the net inside the opening minute through Max Campbell - fresh from his Croke Park heroics with Donegal seniors on Sunday. 

Derry settled after that early blow, with Cahir Spiers opening their account before Johnny McGuckian’s two-point effort brought them level.

Donegal responded well, building a lead through scores from Tomás Carr, Campbell and Callaghan, while Kevin Muldoon also added his name to the scoresheet to leave them five points clear at one stage.

Derry gradually worked their way back into contention. A Dillon two-pointer sparked the revival, and with Conall Higgins also on target, the gap was reduced.

The hosts then struck for goal before half-time, as Cody Rocks finished from close range after Donegal failed to deal with a high ball into their defence, giving Derry their only lead of the night.

However, that advantage didn’t last long, with Callaghan’s third point ensuring the sides went in level at the interval.

Derry carried momentum into the second half, with early scores from Dillon and McGuckian pushing them back in front, but the game soon became scrappy and low on scoring chances.

It took until the closing stages for things to come alive again. Bliain McDaid edged Derry ahead, only for Donegal to respond with a two-point free from Carr.

Muldoon extended the Donegal lead, but Dillon once again stepped up with a crucial two-pointer to tie the game heading into added time.

With the final moments ticking down, Derry failed to retain possession, and Donegal made them pay. Callaghan showed composure under pressure to kick the winning point and secure a vital result for his side.

Derry scorers: Cody Rocks 1-0; Ger Dillon 0-5, 1f, 2tpf; Johnny McGuckian 0-2, 1tp; Tommy Rogers 0-1,1f; Bliain McDaid, Cahir Spiers and Conal Higgins 0-1 each.

Donegal scorers: Max Campbell 1-1; Shane Callaghan 0-4; Tomas Carr 0-3, 1tpf; Kevin Muldoon 0-2; Donnachadh Ó Baoighill 0-2, 1 tpf. 

Derry: Jack McCloy; Rory Small, Padraig Haran, Fionn McEldowney; Luke Grant, Cahal McKaigue, Bliain McDaid; Tommy Rogers, Michael Higgins; Cody Rocks, Cahir Spiers, Johnny McGuckian; Caomhin Hargan, Conal Higgins, Ger Dillon.

Sub: Jude Bryson for Grant (49).

Donegal: Pádraig Mac Giolla Bhride (Gaoth Dobhair); Cathal Ó Gallchoir, Cathal Mac Aoidh, Aaron Neely; Finnbarr Roarty, Callum McCrea, Max Campbell; Kalvin McLaughlin, Kevin Muldoon; Luke McGuinness, Jamie Gavigan, Darragh Hennigan; Shane Callaghan, Tomas Carr, Donnachadh Ó Baoighill.

Subs: Turlough Carr for Hennigan (43), Thomas Lenehan for Ó Baoighill (52), Alex Cunnea for Gavigan (63).

Referee: Shane Murphy (Armagh).