GAELIC SPORTS WORLD Issue 33 – September 4, 2015 | Page 17

The Victorious Donegal Senior Team. Photo: Rory O’Donnell. several Donegal misses, one in particular after Whelan had got behind the defence and with the keeper to beat, the shot skidded just wide of the far post. It was 1-2 to 1-1 for Donegal at the half, and still the game yet to really take off. It was all square with 15 minutes to go. The focus was more on football now with well taken scores on each side. Nugent and Conor Moynagh put the Tones into a one point lead, before Donegal’s Mulligan put a smooth finish between the sticks to square it again. Play was moving up and down the field now with each side trying to gain the upper hand. After Neil Flynn pointed a dead ball from an incredibly difficult angle, sub Mal McDermott, fielded the kick-out and Nicky Kelly pointed the chance - the subs were having a big influence on the game. The Tones opened a two point lead with the game going into injury time, Flynn and Conor McCormack with the point and it looked like the Tones had the championship in their grasp. Donegal managed to force extra time, though they could have stolen the game. Donegal broke downfield as the Tones coughed up the ball while trying to maintain possession in their own half. Darren McDonnell pulled off a fine save to keep the ball out of the net, and deny Donegal a last minute victory. Surely it would be the moment that captured the Tones first championship. Not so as Donegal kept themselves alive. Mal McDermott pointed the 45, and the kick-out broke to Emlyn Mulligan who earned his keep with a very well taken point and quite incredibly sent the game to extra time. 17