Donegal and Monaghan serve up sensational draw in Division 2 clash in Truagh

In a gripping encounter that kept spectators waiting until the very end at the Truagh GAA ground, Monaghan and Donegal battled to a thrilling draw despite the Donegal side leading throughout.
Donegal 1-13 
Monaghan 2-10

John McNulty's side can breathe a sigh of relief considering they leave Monaghan with points in the bag, with the home side nearly snatching it at the end with a match-winning free kick, only for Scotstown native Eabha Sherry to blast the ball to the left and wide as the match finished level.

Right from the throw-in, both teams displayed unwavering determination, setting the stage for an exhilarating contest despite the away side entering the game heavy favourites, with the Farney team yet to win a match in Division 2 this year. 

Monaghan drew first blood as Aine Loughman was fouled inside the square, leading to Leanne Maguire confidently converting a penalty in lightning-fast fashion after only 60 seconds into the opening half.  

However, Donegal swiftly responded with corner-forward Suzanne White effortlessly slotting over a free kick.  

Monaghan didn’t hold their lead for long as Donegal began to take firm control and it showed when in the fourth minute Nicole Gordan found the net for Donegal, immediately followed by a precise strike from Jodie McFadden. 

Sarah Tierney proved to be a constant menace for the Donegal defense, showcasing her pace and skill with a superb point for Monaghan.  

The back-and-forth action would continue with Eabha Sherry and Leanne Maguire trading scores with Donegal’s Gordon and White to keep the scoreboard ticking for the away side. 

The Farney ladies nearly took the lead in the 15th minute when they broke through Donegal’s defensive line, but John McNulty’s goalkeeper Clare Friel showcased her prowess with a crucial save from Maguire's goal attempt who had to settle for a point. 

Despite Donegal’s lead, they could never break off the shackles by edging ahead of Monaghan and building a solid lead.  

However, the home team was dealt a serious blow on the 27th minute when Monaghan was temporarily reduced to 14 players when Shona Brady was shown a yellow card and sent to the line which allowed Donegal capitalise on their numerical advantage with Tara Hegarty extending their lead with a well-timed point as they marched to the dressing rooms at half time leading with a 1-7 to 1-4 advantage. 

The second half witnessed a determined Monaghan side fighting back, with Eabha Sherry reducing the deficit with a composed free kick.  

Roisin Rogers and Sherry exchanged points, keeping the scoreline finely balanced. However, Suzanne White's clinical kicking once again propelled Donegal ahead, with Amy Boyle Carr extending their lead with two crucial points as her side led 1-12 to 1-9 by the 54th minute. 

However, as the sides tired, fundamental errors began to creep in with Donegal very much put on the back foot with Monaghan’s all-out attack. 

Their gamble going forward proved worthwhile when Sherry was brought down inside the Donegal penalty area on the 57th minute. Under serious pressure to salvage the result the Monaghan forward hit the crossbar, but Sherry's quick reflexes saw her convert the rebound, sending the crowd into a frenzy as the scoreline was leveled. 

As the match entered its nail-biting final moments, Katie Long edged Donegal ahead with a crucial point under severe pressure in the Truagh Gaels GAA ground.  

It looked like the winner for McNulty’s side, only for Sherry to once again equalise deep into injury time with the scoreline standing 2-10 to 1-13 in the 60th minute.  

It looked like both sides would share the spoils, until Monaghan once again found possession and charged on the attack. With seconds remaining, Sherry had the opportunity to secure victory with a late free kick after she was fouled inside the Donegal half, but her effort narrowly missed the target as both sides ran out with a draw on the board. 

Scorers - Donegal: Suzanne White 0-7 (4fs); Nicole Gordon 1-1, Jodie Mc Fadden, Tara Hegarty, Roisin Rogers, Amy Boyle Carr, Katie Long 0-1 each. Monaghan: Eabha Sherry 1-6; Leanne Maguire 1-2; Sarah Tierney 0-2. 

Monaghan: Orna Kelly; Maeve Monaghan, Naomi Cogan, Shona Brady; Amy Garland, Celene Nally, Emma Clerkin; Jennifer Duffy, Aine Loughman; Niamh Flanagan, Eabha Sherry, Casey Treanor; Lauren Garland, Leanne Maguire, Sarah Tierney. Subs: Tara Renaghan for Brady (42), Eva Woods for Treanor (42), Brid McNally for Loughman (47), Holly McQuaid for Flannagan (57), Megan Boylan for Cogan (57). 

Donegal: Clare Friel; Shannon McLaughlin, Abigail Temple Asokuh, Evelyn McGinely; Caoimhe Keon, Nicole Gordon, Tara Hegarty; Roisin Rodgers, Niamh Boyle; Jodie McFadden, Niamh McLaughlin, Katie Long; Susanne White, Katie Heron, Amy Boyle Carr. Subs: Katie Dowds for Boyle (47), Eva Gallagher for Gordon (48), Jenny McGettigan for McFadden (54). 

Referee: Gus Chapman (Sligo)