Donegal quickly settled and led 0-5 to 0-3 midway through the half after a pair of two-pointers from goalkeeper Gavin Mulreany. Finbarr Roarty, Conor and Shane O'Donnell landed points before Shea Malone blasted to the net in front of Hill 16 where he watched last year's All-Ireland final as a supporter. The Dubs started the second half by outscoring Donegal five points to one in the first five minutes of the second half to cut the gap down to just two points. Langan landed his sixth to end a barren spell of over 10 minutes before Caolan McGonagle landed an inspirational score from centre-back. Late scores from Breathnach - who kicked five in total - cut the gap to three with 45 seconds left on the clock, but Donegal held firm to seal the points.

Source: BBC January 25, 2026 11:02 UTC