DONEGAL WON THE first ever Ulster Hurling Shield final this afternoon at Brewster Park.
Donegal 5-13 Monaghan 2-14
Ardal McDermott’s team overcame a disastrous start to claim an eight-point win over Monaghan.
After the disappointment of being relegated from Division 2B and making an exit from the Nicky Rackard Cup, this at least means that the Tir Chonaill men have silverware to show for their efforts in 2016.
[adrotate group=”43″]Conor Boyle and Mark Treanor bagged early goals for Monaghan, who led 2-4 to 0-1 with just 12 minutes played.
The writing was on the wall for Donegal, but they shook their heads clear and scored 3-3 in the second quarter to lead 3-4 to 2-4 at half-time.
A long puck from a free by Jack O’Loughlin saw the sliotar drop into the net for the first Donegal goal.
The experienced Paddy Hannigan drove home a second goal after latching onto a dropping ball in the dangerzone and captain Danny Cullen smashed in the game-turning third.
[adrotate group=”53″]With Lee Henderson, Kevin Campbell and Ronan McDermott scoring points, Donegal kept the scoreboard ticking.
Campbell was in as a sub at the break and he netted the fourth goal on 42 minutes.
Monaghan rallied, led by Boyle and Treanor, but Henderson was ever-accurate from frees, ending the day with seven.
Monaghan were reduced to 14 men when Patrick Finnegan was sent off and Henderson obliged with the conversion of the free.
In added time, Donegal worked goal number five, with the finish applied by McDermott.
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