Donegal Masters into All-Ireland Plate final after big win over Kildare Masters

Donegal Masters have an All-Ireland final date with London after a convincing win in their semi-final over Kildare in Templeport on Saturday.

Donegal elected to play into the strong wind in the first half and thanks to a Nicky McGarrigle goal, they led by 1-5 to 0-2 at half-time.

Then with the wind at their backs, they were able to pull away in the second half and further goals from Paddy Hannigan and Brian McLaughlin saw them run out 12 point winners.

“We were talking to the Kildare management afterwards and they said they were short a few,” said Donegal mentor Eddie Crawford. “But we were short a few also. We were missing Shaun Maguire, who has a senior championship game on Sunday, as well as Benny Boyle and Martin Donaghy because of work commitments and injury.

“We started our strongest side and we only made one change in the opening half, Brian McLaughlin coming in just before half-time.

“We had exceptional performances from Conor McShane at midfield; Eamon Ward at full-back; Nicky McGarrigle and Damien Browne up front was very steady.

“We are looking forward now to a final against London, who won their semi-final convincingly as well, beating Down 5-12 to 0-8.

“We have already played London over there earlier and that game ended in a draw with London getting a late equaliser. We are not sure when the final is on but we will get back training this week, probably on Thursday.

“Francie Martin and myself and John Joe O’Shea are learning all the time. After the opening two losses to Tyrone and Derry, we have been able to get to know the players much better. The team are up for the final and really looking forward to it,” says Crawford

Donegal scorers: Brian McLaughlin 1-1; Damien Browne 0-4; Paddy Hannigan 1-0; Gerard McBrearty 0-2; Nigel McGonagle, Benny Quinn 0-1 each. 

Donegal: Karl O’Brien; Paddy Joe Doohan, Eamon Ward, Enda Bonner; Nicky McGarrigle, Paul McCrudden, Sean McDaid; Conor McShane, Brian Doherty; Steven Coyle, Eunan Keavney, Nigel McGonagle; Gerard McBrearty, Paddy Hannigan, Damien Browne.

Subs: Benny Quinn, Gary Gillen, Michael Canning, Diarmaid Slevin, Eamon J Coyle, Brian McLaughlin, John Doherty, Joe O’Donnell, Gavin McConnell, Paul Gallagher.