Donegal 1-20 Cork 2-6

Cork faced a tough start in the Allianz Football League Division 2, losing to Donegal at MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey. Despite challenging conditions with rain and a strong wind, Donegal dominated the first half, leading 0-12 to 1-3 at halftime.

Cork struggled to capitalize on opportunities against the wind, and Donegal’s efficient scoring set the tone for their victory. The match featured notable moments, including Eoghan McSweeney’s goal leveling the score for Cork, but Donegal’s response with three quick points reaffirmed their control.

In the second half, Cork, now aided by the wind, faced an uphill battle. Donegal continued their steady scoring, maintaining an eight-point lead. Cork managed a goal through Chris Óg Jones after a defensive mistake, narrowing the gap. However, Donegal sealed the game with Patrick McBrearty’s goal, securing a 1-18 to 2-5 victory in typical Donegal fashion.

Tough day at the office in difficult conditions- long journey home & gear up for Ardee next weekend.

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Cork’s regrets lingered on missed opportunities in the challenging first half, while Donegal’s strategic play and McBrearty’s contributions ultimately decided the outcome. The match showcased Donegal’s proficiency in adverse conditions and their ability to capitalize on key moments.

Cork have another away encounter in the next league game, a trip to Ardee next Sunday to face Louth with throw-in at 1pm.

Scorers for Donegal: P McBrearty 1-6 (0-6 f), O Doherty 0-3, D Ó Baoill 0-2, P Morgan, G Mulreany (f), B McCole, R McHugh, C McGonagle, C Thompson, S O’Donnell, J Brennan, D MacGiolla Bhride 0-1 each.

Cork: C Óg Jones 1-2, E McSweeney 1-0, B O’Driscoll 0-2, S Sherlock (f), M Cronin 0-1 each.

DONEGAL: G Mulreany; M Curran, B McCole, K McGettigan; R McHugh, C McGonagle, C Moore; C Thompson, D MacGiolla Bhride; P Morgan, O Doherty, S O’Donnell; P McBrearty, D Ó Baoill, J Brennan.

Subs: E Bán Gallagher for K McGettigan (23), O Caulfield for S O’Donnell, J MacCeallabhuí for O Doherty (both 54), L McGlynn for J Brennan (62), A Doherty for D Ó Baoill (66).

CORK: P Doyle (Knocknagree); M Shanley (Clonakilty), S Meehan (Kiskeam), T Walsh (Kanturk); L Fahy (Ballincollig), R Maguire (Castlehaven), M Taylor (Mallow); I Maguire (St Finbarr’s), C O’Callaghan (Éire Óg); E McSweeney (Knocknagree), D Buckley (Newcestown), B O’Driscoll (Tadhg MacCarthaigh); R Deane (Bantry Blues), B Hurley (Castlehaven), C Óg Jones (Iveleary).

Subs: D Cashman (Millstreet) for M Shanley (45), M Cronin (Nemo Rangers) for D Buckley (46), S Sherlock (St Finbarr’s) for B Hurley (50), F Herlihy (Dohenys) for R Deane (55), D O’Mahony (Knocknagree) for E McSweeney (63).

Referee: Noel Mooney (Cavan).