Donegal took on Mayo today in what was a relegation decider at Seán MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey.
Stephen Rochford's side came into this game under fire once again with major questions raised about their ability to go to the well once more this year, but they started brightly roaring into a 0-05 to 0-01 lead with Kevin McLoughlin and Andy Moran looking lively early on.
However, Donegal had a gem return to the pitch. Paddy McBreaty, who landed 0-30 across Donegal's first four games, returned from injury today and an extremely late announcement confirmed he was to start. He quickly went to work and landed some sensational long-range scores as Donegal ran off seven unanswered points.
What a score from Donegal's Paddy McBrearty at such an acute angle! pic.twitter.com/RSVSBEy70b
— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 25, 2018
Hard to imagine anything worse than marking paddy mcbrearty at this moment in time #AllianzLeagues #TG4
— Rory's Stories (@RorysStories) March 25, 2018
It was a much more balanced Donegal side with Michael Murphy gravitating out the field alongside the outstanding Eoghan Ban Gallagher, son of former Donegal midfielder John Ban Gallagher. Mayo, fresh from a hammering against Tyrone were considerably more conservative today and refused to die. It was an imperfect performance but one driven by uncompromising spirit and determination.
Hugh McFadden and Odhran MacNiallais put Donegal three clear in the closing exchanges but once again, Mayo responded with a superb Conor Loftus free. Eoin O'Donoghue followed it up with an exceptional strike and then it was one. Kevin McLaughlin dug deep with a rosing run forward to claim the ball out wide. A last-gasp long-range score secured the draw and Mayo's future in the League.
Kevin McLoughlin with the crucial point to leave the sides even as the ref blows the whistle pic.twitter.com/Rrj6zuSmCN
— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 25, 2018
Seven years after saving Mayo's bacon in London, Kevin McLoughlin keeps Mayo in Division One.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) March 25, 2018
That’s staying in division 1 mayo style. #mayo4sam 💚❤️
— Kevin Kilbane (@kdkilbane77) March 25, 2018
Never say die again from mayo. Incredible #allianzleagues
— Rory's Stories (@RorysStories) March 25, 2018
WATCH John Casey celebrates Kevin McLoughlin’s point which makes it a draw match and keeps Mayo in D1. #DonegalvMayo pic.twitter.com/ywscSJOZ6C
— RTÉ Radio 1 (@RTERadio1) March 25, 2018
