Defeat brings relegation to Kildare

For the opening half of this Allianz Football League, Division 2 clash at Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow, Kildare gave Donegal as good as they got and while the boys from the north west led by two points, there were signs that Glenn Ryan's lads were more than capable of causing an upset.

However, and not for the first time this season, the second half was an entirely different affair with Donegal quickly adding three points to go five clear after 40 minutes.

Alex Beirne and Kevin Feely (free) reduced the gap to three; Peadar Mogan and Daire O'Baoill  increased that lead for Donegal back to five before Kildare gave themselves a lifeline with a brilliant goal from Alex Beirne on 48 minutes leaving it 0-13 to 1-8.

However that was as good as it got for the 'home' side as they failed to raise another flag with Donegal adding four more points.

The result, with one game remaining next Saturday evening, means Donegal, along with Armagh are promoted to Division 1 while Kildare will drop to Division 3 for the 2025 season.

Scorers: Donegal, Peadar Mogan 0-5, Michael Langan 0-3, Ciaran Thompson 0-2, Daire O'Baoill 0-2, Carolan McGonagle 0-1, Odhran Doherty 0-1, Patrick McBrearty 0-1, Oisin Gallen 0-1 (free), Aaron Doherty 0-1.

Kildare, Alex Beirne 1-3, Kevin Feely 0-4 (3 frees, mark), Shane Farrell 0-1.

DONEGAL: Shaun Patton; Mark Curran, Ciaran Moore, Peadar Mogan; Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle, Odhrán Doherty; Hugh McFadden, Michael Langan; Shane O’Donnell, Ciaran Thompson, Aaron Doherty; Patrick McBrearty, Oisin Gallen, Dáire Ó Baoill. Subs: Jamie Brennan for Hugh McFadden (half time); Jeaic McKilvey for Odhran Doherty (53 minuites); Niall O'Donnell for Aaron Doherty (55 minutes); Luke McGlynn for Daire O'Baoill (67 minutes); Ronan Gallagher for Ciaran Thompson (67 minutes).

KILDARE: Mark Donnellan; Ryan Houlihan, Mick O'Grady cpt., Ryan Burke; Paddy McDermott, Eoin Doyle, Jack Sargent; Aaron Masterson, Kevin O'Callaghan; Alex Beirne, Barry Kelly, Shane Farrell; Kevin Feely, Daniel Flynn, Niall Kelly. Subs: Luke Killian for Kevin O'Callaghan (52 minutes); Paddy Woodgate for Barry Kelly (54 minutes); Shane O'Sullivan for Niall Kelly (58 minutes); Brian Byrne for Jack Sargent (59 minutes); Tony Archbold for Jack Sargent (69 minutes).

REFEREE: Paul Faloon, Down.