Donegal captain Niamh McLaughlin admits promotion is out of Donegal's hands 

Donegal captain Niamh McLaughlin says her side must now aim to win their final two outings in Division 2 and “see where that leaves us”. 

Sunday’s encounter with Tyrone was widely viewed as a showdown for second place in the league with Kildare leading the way with five wins from five. However, that defeat has now cast Donegal adrift. 

Tyrone sit second behind the Lilywhites with John McNulty’s team six points off the coattails of their neighbours and promotion rivals. 

With two rounds left to play, Donegal go away to both Cavan and Tipperary and will need maximum points there to stand a chance. 

Even then, they’re going to need favours elsewhere as Tyrone host Kildare and travel away to Cavan in their remaining fixtures.  

“We’ll go back at it this week, review it and dust ourselves off ahead of Cavan in two weeks,” said McLaughlin after.  

“We’ll go out and try to win our next two games. It’s out of our hands in that sense. It possibly takes a wee bit of pressure off us”. 

Donegal were beaten 3-11 to 1-12 in Ballybofey on Sunday and McLaughlin conceded Tyrone were full value for their victory. 

“You’re always disappointed when you don’t win the game. To be fair to Tyrone they were well set up and they took their chances when they were on. I guess we’re still a work in progress.

“They have some top-quality forwards and were a little more clinical in front of the net. Our girls did well and we had a few chipping in with scores. Just as a whole, they were that little bit better. 

“The aim was to always try to get up to Division 1 again. You do that by focusing and trying to win every single game. That’s what we’re trying to do. Tyrone will be well worth their promotion if they get there. 

“It’s a tough place to get out of. We’ve seen that with Armagh in the past”.