Donegal’s bid to win three consecutive Ulster senior football titles was ended by Cavan on Sunday as the Breffni County ran out deserved 1-13 to 0-12 winners.
It was Cavan’s 40th provincial title, but their first since Donegal’s Martin McHugh helped them lift the Anglo Celt Cup 23 years ago (1997).
Cavan’s hunger and desire from start to finish proved crucial as Donegal, while leading for a decent portion of the game, never managed to control the contest.
Cavan’s persistence and doggedness once again paid off handsomely.
Conor Madden, who scored 1-2, found the net in stoppage time to seal victory for Mickey Graham’s side.
Here’s how the Ocean FM Sport commentary team of Mark McHugh and Paddy McGill described the closing moments:
Cavan will now play Dublin in the All Ireland semi final in two weeks time.
For Donegal, the championship year is over
Team manager Declan Bonner gave his reaction after the final whistle to Newstalk’s Aisling O’Reilly:
Sunday’s results
Ulster SFC final
Cavan 1-13 Donegal 0-12
Munster SFC final
Tipperary 0-17 Cork 0-14
All-Ireland football semi-finals (Feb 5th/6th)
Dublin v Cavan
Mayo v Tipperary.
