Donegal Triumphs Over Louth to Secure All-Ireland Semi-Final Spot Against Galway
Donegal overcame Louth with a 1-23 to 0-18 victory at Croke Park, securing their first All-Ireland Football semi-final berth since 2014. The Ulster champions, strong favorites against the Leinster runners-up, led 0-11 to 0-8 at halftime.
Louth showcased spirited play and high-quality shooting but couldn’t maintain their momentum in a lackluster second half. Eoghan Ban Gallagher’s decisive goal in the 58th minute sealed Donegal’s win.
Peadar Mogan shone once again for Donegal, who will face Galway, conquerors of Dublin, in the semi-final. Meanwhile, Armagh awaits the winner of the Derry vs. Kerry quarter-final.
Donegal fans, hopeful of ending their 10-year wait for an All-Ireland semi-final, saw their team’s impressive form continue under the revitalizing influence of Jim McGuinness. Despite Louth’s resilient first-half performance, Donegal’s fitness and strength proved decisive.
Key players for Donegal included Ryan McHugh, Patrick McBrearty, Conor O’Donnell, Oisin Gallen, and Mogan. Louth’s Ryan Burns and captain Sam Mulroy kept their team in contention with notable performances.
As Donegal prepares for a challenging semi-final against Galway, they remain strong contenders for the Sam Maguire Cup, especially with Dublin out of the competition.
Donegal Lineup:
Shaun Patton; Conor O’Donnell (0-2), Brendan McCole, Eoghan Ban Gallagher (1-0); Ryan McHugh (0-2), Caolan McGonagle, Peadar Mogan (0-5); Ciaran Moore (0-2), Michael Langan (0-3); Shane O’Donnell, Ciaran Thompson (0-2), Daire O Baoil; Patrick McBrearty (0-1, 1m), Oisin Gallen (0-4, 1f), Niall O’Donnell.
Louth Lineup:
Niall McDonnell; Donal McKenny, Dermot Campbell, Dan Corcoran; Conall McKeever, Anthony Williams, Craig Lennon (0-1); Tommy Durnin (0-4), Bevan Duffy; Ciaran Murphy, Ciaran Keenan, Conor Grimes; Ryan Burns (0-2), Sam Mulroy (0-6, 3f), Leonard Grey.
