Extra-time defeat for the Donegal Junior League in Oscar Traynor last four

The Donegal Junior League suffered extra-time heartache against the Limerick District League in Umbro Park, Castlebar on Sunday.

A penalty apiece within five minutes of each other in normal time from Kieran O’Connell and then by Gareth Harkin brought the game to extra-time with the scoreline at 1-1.

And Donegal looked to be in the ascendancy in the added period, especially when O’Connell was sent off, but they dug in, and Kai Joyce put them ahead.

In an opening half where real chances were at a premium, Limerick had a great chance to take the lead midway through the opening half. Good work by Conor Coughlan created an opening for Ryan but his effort was blocked on the line.

Limerick suffered a blow when Shane Walsh hobbled out of the play, but ironically, the introduction of his replacement Leon Daly coincided with Limerick adopting a wider, more effective approach.

And while Donegal striker Jonathan Robb made it an uncomfortable two hours for the defence, Limerick District got the breakthrough just after the hour mark.

Good work by Daly and Ryan ended with the latter playing Leon Kirrane into the area where he was fouled by Ryan Shields, and from the resultant spot kick, Kieran O’Connell converted in style.

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Limerick almost increased their lead when Josh McCarthy’s long kick was flicked on by Ryan to put Daly in one-on-one, but a bobble at the vital moment gave Lynch the opportunity to save.

A lapse in the Limerick defence allowed Robb through, soon after and when he was tripped in the area, as Harkin tucked away the spot kick to level the game.

Extra time followed, and a second yellow for O’Connell saw Limerick District down to ten men. However, it had no effect as Limerick snatched the winner minutes later.

A good run and shot by Daly saw the ball rebound to substitute Kai Joyce who gathered 25 yards out to deliver a beauty to the back of the net.

Limerick will go into the final on Sunday, February 15, where they will face the Galway & District League in the final after they defeated holders Wexford 4-0 in Gainstown, with Enda Curran scoring a hat-trick along with one from Calum Browne.

Donegal Junior League: Michael Lynch; Seimi Friel, Ryan Shields, Keenan Diver, Brendan McCafferty; Aidy Delap (Jack Parke 68), Patrick Carr (Shane McNamee 55), Gareth Harkin, Shane McGinty (Ryan Cunningham 90), Eddie O’Reilly (Simon McGlynn 68); Jonny Robb (Ronan McHugh 97).

Limerick District League: Josh McCarthy; Daniel O’Neill (Shane O’Brien 76), Shane Walsh (Leon Daly 41), Jason Cross, Blake Curran; Leon Kirrane, Kieran O’Connell, Vincent Ryan, Oleg Vysochan (Kyle Duhig 95), Tommy Frawley, Conor Coughlan (Kai Joyce 95).

Referee: Eric Eaton.