Donegal demolish Meath to set up another showdown with Kerry as they booked a place in the All-Ireland final, delivering a powerful performance that crushed Meath’s hopes and set up a rematch of the 2014 decider. Donegal’s dominance was clear, with three second-half goals sealing a commanding victory and ending Meath’s fairytale summer.
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Fast Start Sets the Tone
Donegal controlled the game from early on, despite playing against the breeze in the first half. Michael Murphy and Conor O’Donnell led with early points, while Meath’s Sean Coffey missed a golden chance, hitting the post. Eoghan Frayne briefly put Meath ahead, but Donegal quickly regained control, taking advantage of Meath’s wasted opportunities and building a five-point lead by halftime.
Meath’s Missed Chances
Meath’s attacking approach fell apart as they missed several scorable chances, with Jordan Morris, Frayne, and Kinsella failing to convert efforts that could have kept them in the contest. Their struggles were evident during a nine-minute scoreless stretch, allowing Donegal to add unanswered points through Michael Langan, Murphy, Oisín Gallen, and Ciaran Thompson.
Second-Half Goals Kill the Contest
The game’s momentum shifted completely when Shaun Patton’s long kickout found Caolan McColgan, who set up Gallen for a stunning goal in the 42nd minute. Shortly after, Ciaran Moore sliced through Meath’s defence to score a second goal, pushing Donegal’s lead to 2-16 to 0-11 and effectively ending the contest.
Final Blow as Meath Collapse
Meath’s confidence was visibly shattered, and their play continued to decline. Donegal’s pressure did not ease, and a third goal arrived when Conor O’Donnell, after a smart setup by McBrearty and Jason McGee, calmly slotted the ball into the net. Points from Moore, Langan, Thompson, and Daire Ó Baoill added further damage, sealing a 20-point victory that marked the largest semi-final winning margin since 1979.
Looking Ahead to Kerry
While Meath exit with regrets, Donegal now prepare for a final clash with Kerry, reviving memories of their last All-Ireland final meeting under Jim McGuinness in 2014. With their sharp form and confidence, Donegal will aim to take the final step when they meet Kerry, bringing excitement for what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
