Improved second-half show sees Donegal deliver

A second-half full of purpose and intensity ensured Donegal, minus talisman Michael Murphy, recovered from a three-point half-time deficit to defeat Mayo by the minimum in an entertaining challenge match in Swinford yesterday.

The game was played to mark the official opening of the Swinford GAA club’s new pitch, which will be named in honour of Garda Robert McCallion, a former member of the club who tragically lost his life while on duty in Letterkenny three years ago. The pitch was officially opened by Padraig Carney who was known as the Flying Doctor following a series of high-profile flights back from America to play for the county he won All-Irelands with in 1950 and ’51.

After early Donegal points from Adrian Hanlon and Stephen Griffin, Mayo took the initiative when Peadar Gardiner goaled on seven minutes and points from Enda Varley and Gardiner put them clear.