Donegal make history in Ballybofey

Donegal 1-9 Armagh 1-8, Ballybofey

Brian McIver's men made history at Ballybofey this afternoon, becoming the first Donegal side to beat Armagh in an Ulster championship tie since 1993.

A crowd of almost 20,000 watched Brendan Devenney grab a fortuitous but crucial late goal for the hosts - Armagh goalkeeper Paul Hearty let Devenney's looping ball slip through his fingertips and into the net.

Donegal, the league champions, move on to face Tyrone in an intriguing provincial semi-final on June 17, while Joe Kernan's Armagh side, who were bidding to win a fourth straight Ulster SFC title, will have to go through the scenic route of the qualifiers.

Donegal led 0-5 to 0-4 at half-time, but goal poacher supreme Oisin McConville managed to grab a goal for Armagh, just eight minutes into the second half.

McConville found the net from close range after Paddy McKeever had had his initial effort parried by Donegal net minder Paul Durcan.

The Orchard county, Ulster champions under Kernan in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006, continued to lead the way and they were 1-8 to 0-9 in front with just three minutes remaining.

But substitute Devenney's late strike squeezed his side back in front and despite three minutes of injury-time, Armagh's hunt for a levelling point was in vain.

The result marked only the second Ulster championship defeat for Armagh since Joe Kernan's managerial reign began back in 2002.