Donegal’s hurlers have been relegated from the Christy Ring Cup after a seven-point loss to London in Crossmaglen.
London 2-18 Donegal 1-14
Donegal were in touch with London for long spells but London pulled away in the second half with absentees again hurting Donegal.
The game got off to a whirlwind start with Killian Butler netting a goal after only 17 seconds.
Donegal hut back and Lee Henderson was fouled for a penalty that was smashed to the net by Ciaran Matthewson.
Henderson whipped over nine points for Donegal, who were level at the break. A second London goal had them 2-5 to 1-7 ahead before Henderson evened it up again.
Donegal were thankful to Paul Burns for a brilliant save in between the London majors.
Donegal led briefly through Matthewson and Henderson, but the sending off of Mark Callaghan came as a hammer blow for the Tir Chonaill men.
Kevin Kealy and Henderson tacked on points, but London had the necessary firepower.
Donegal scorers: Lee Henderson 0-9 (6f, 1 ’45); Ciaran Matthewson 1-3; Joe Boyle, Kevin Kealy 0-1 each
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