Late rally falls just short as Donegal minors edged by Down in Ulster Platinum final

Donegal’s minor ladies were left to rue a difficult opening spell as they came up short against Down in the Ulster Platinum Final in Killyclogher on Saturday.

The Mourne county flew out of the blocks, rattling in five goals during a devastating first-half spell that put them firmly in control at the break, leading 5-6 to 0-5.

To their credit, Declan McDermott’s side refused to fold and produced a strong response after the restart, gradually eating into the deficit as they found a better rhythm in attack.

Goals from Mia O’Donnell and Caoimhe Gallagher helped reignite hope for Donegal, while Gallagher added a further point as the contest entered its closing stages, cutting the gap to just three.

Despite the late pressure, Down managed to hold firm in the final minutes to see out the win, bringing Donegal’s spirited comeback to an agonising end.

Donegal: Aine Walsh; Katie McGowan, Laura Quinn, Shauna Molloy; Florence Naughton, Nicole Bonner Gillespie, Laura Boyle; Elisha Boyle, Ailbhe Doherty; Clara Rose Boyle, Emma Wallace, Toni Boyle; Mia O’Donnell, Aoife McDermott, Orla Ward

Subs: Sadhbh Foy, Kate McCafferty, Reiltin Doherty, Caoimhe Gallagher, Kayla McHugh, Eva McNamara, Aoibhinn Wallace, Orlagh Faul, Kayleigh Ni Dhonaill, Alleen Sweeney, Laoise McGinley, Sofie Campbell, Caoimhe McNulty, Sophie McGee, Aoibhinn McCauley