Down secure dominant victory over Donegal in Ulster Minor championship

Last month, Down's minors secured a narrow victory over Donegal in the league semi-final held in Ballyshannon, clinching the win by a single point. However, in the Ulster Championship clash at Pairc Esler on Saturday, the Down team exhibited a significantly stronger performance, clinching a convincing nine-point victory. 

This win came as a relief for Down, marking their first victory in three group matches. In contrast, Donegal entered the match sitting at the top of the table with two wins out of two. 

Despite an initial display of dominance by Donegal, highlighted by three missed opportunities and one unsuccessful point attempt, it was Down who struck first, with Paul McGovern scoring a point in the ninth minute.  

Momentum continued to build for the home side, culminating in a goal by Darragh Poland following a swift pass from Barra McEvoy. 

McEvoy contributed a point shortly after, giving Down a 1-2 lead. However, Donegal mounted a comeback with Colm O’Dochairtaigh finding the net and Conor McCahill adding a point on the 20th minute. Nevertheless, Down rallied and finished the first half strongly, leading 1-5 to 1-1 at halftime. 

In the second half, Donegal once again started aggressively, narrowing Down’s lead to just one point with early points from Kalvin McLaughlin and two from Turlough Carr within the first five minutes.  

Yet, Down responded decisively, with Liam Blaney scoring a point and a goal, complemented by another goal from Poland and a free from McEvoy, extending their lead to an insurmountable 3-7 to 1-4 advantage by the 15th minute of the second half.  

They maintained their dominance until the final whistle, securing a resounding 3-9 to 1-6 victory. 

Scorers – Down: Darragh Poland 2-0, Liam Blaney 1-1, Conor Ward 0-3, Barra McEvoy 0-3 (2f), Paul McGovern and Eoin McCaffrey 0-1 each. Donegal: Colm O’Dochairtaigh 1-0, Turlough Carr 0-3 (2f), Kalvin McLaughlin, Conor McCahill and Alex Cunnea 0-1 each 

Down: Callum Travers; Shane McParland, Oisin Murphy, Aaaron McClelland; Cormac Small, Jon Rogers, Fionn McCaul; Daniel McKernan, Liam Blaney; Conor Ward, Darragh Poland, Paul McGovern; Daniel Carr, Barra McEvoy, Charlie McGrath. Subs: Eoin McCaffrey for McParland (36), Caolan McGinley for Carr (42), Joe O’Hagan for Murphy (48), Adam McCann-Gibbs for McCaul (56), Danny McLogan for McGovern (60+1) 

Donegal: P McBride; Elliot Friel, Jordi O’Gribin, Cathal MacAoidh; Pauric Devine, Cathal O’Gallachoir, Max Campbell; Kalvin McLaughlin, Luke McGuinness; Turlough Carr, Thomas Carr, Eoghan Ban McNeils; Colm O’Dochairtaigh, Paddy Ward, Conor McCahill. Subs: Eoghan Gallagher for Ban McNeills (36), Alex Cunnea for Campbell (39), Donnachadh Boyle for Ward (42), Sean O’Carroll for McGuinness (50). 

Referee: Diarmuid Boylan (Monaghan)