Donegal’s competitive season under new manager Paddy Carr, and in the post-Michael Murphy playing era, began with a 2-14 to 1-10 loss to Down in Sunday’s Dr McKenna Cup game in Newry.
Nine Donegal players made their senior intercounty debuts with household names like Shaun Patton, Ryan McHugh, Hugh McFadden, Michael Langan, Peader Mogan and Oisin Gallen all missing.
Kilcar’s Brian O’Donnell and Killybegs Jack McSharry were among those to make their senior intercounty introductions in Pairc Esler.
Down were the better team in the opening half with Liam Kerr’s early goal giving them a good start.
But Donegal rallied and Daire O’Baoil’s goal helped restore parity by the 17th minute at 1-5 each.
Down kicked again and established a 2-9 to 1-7 interval lead thanks to a second goal from Conor Francis.
Donegal, who looked rusty, were unable to cut into the Down advantage in a meaningful way in the second half.
Team manager Paddy Carr gave this assessment to Ciaran Cannon after the game.
Sunday’s results
Dr McKenna Cup – Section A
Down 2-14 Donegal 1-10
Section B
Fermanagh 1-4 Derry 0-11
Section C
Antrim 0-9 Cavan 2-10.
