The All-Ireland dream is over for another year as Donegal bravely bowed after a valiant display against reigning champions Dublin edged them out in an tense encounter at Croke Park.
Donegal deserve immense credit for their display, at one stage in the second-half they trailed by seven points, and looked like they could suffer a heavy defeat.
But they rallied and a Ryan McHugh goal brought them roaring back into the clash, with his goal reducing the deficit to three.
But that’s as close as Donegal could get to them. Dublin were always able to keep them at arms length, and twice went ahead by five.
However, Donegal refused to stop fighting and got within one score of Dublin, before a sublime goal from Paul Mannion sealed their passage to the last four.
In the opening period, Donegal survived two huge goal chances for Dublin, Mark Anthony McGinley denying his initial goal chance, while he dragged his second effort wide.
Dublin kicked a range of stunning points, but Donegal were plucky and stuck at it, but they trailed by five as the sides headed for the dressing rooms at half-time.
In the second-half, Dublin continued to exert their class and quality and led by seven, just as it looked like the game was slipping away from Rory Gallagher’s side were given a lifeline.
A careless pass from Cian O’Sullivan was seized upon by Donegal who counter-attacked at pace, a beautiful move was finished off by the classy Ryan McHugh.
Two minutes later Diarmaid Connolly was sent off, and Dublin were reduced to 14 men, it was game on.
However, Dublin just managed to keep Donegal at arms length and Rory Gallagher’s men could never get any closer than three points.
Donegal were exceptionally brave, and refused to give in, and showed so much heart, guts and determination, but Dublin just add that little bit more quality.
A Patrick McBrearty free deep in injury-time reduced the deficit to three points again, and Donegal fans dreamed of a late goal.
Substitute Paul Mannion who was superb when he came, sealed the deal for Dublin with a stunning solo goal.
The dream is over for Donegal, but the fans can be very proud of the effort of all the players who played today, they literally gave it everything they had, but unfortunately came up short.
Final score: Dublin 1-15 Donegal 1-10
