Freak Aherne goal helps champions Dublin on their way

Clarragh Connor of Donegal evades the tackle of Dublin's Sinead Goldrick during the TG4 All-Ireland Senior Ladies Football Championship Round 1 match between Dublin and Donegal at Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***

TG4 All-Ireland Senior Champions Dublin began their quest for a fourth successive title with a victory over Donegal on Saturday evening, but they needed a late Sinead Aherne goal to be sure of the win.

The Sky Blues claimed a 2-13 to 2-10 victory at Kingspan Breffni but Donegal pushed them all the way after Geraldine McLaughlin’s goal early in the second-half inspired a revival from Maxi Curran’s side.