Allianz National Football League Division Two Final 2019

Donegal 1-17

Meath 1-15

From Odhrán Crumley in Croke Park

Donegal have come from eight points down to claim the Division Two title in Croke Park this evening.

Michael Murphy turned in a masterclass in modern forward play knocking over seven points of his own.

Meath raced into an early eight point lead thanks to well taken goal from Thomas O’Reilly. Donegal rallied but still trailed by five at the half time break.

Early in the second half, Meath thought they had created real breathing space as Michael Newman punched into the net but, the goal was ruled out for square ball.

Oisin Gallen alongside Murphy dragged the belief back into their side before the sheer pace of Jamie Brennan told as he blasted into the net.

The Tir Chonaill men would play keep ball for the final ten minutes of the contest before Meath were reduced to fourteen as Shane Gallagher saw red.

Donegal: Shaun Patton, Paddy McGrath, Brendan McCole, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Daire Ó Baoill, Leo McLoone, Ryan McHugh, Hugh McFadden, Stephen McMenamin, Niall O’Donnell (0-2), Jason McGee (0-2), Caolan McGonigle, Oísin Gallen (0-4), Michael Murphy (0-7 5f 2m), Jamie Brennan (1-2)

Subs: Neil McGee for B McCole (14), Eamonn Doherty for L McLoone (HT), Michael Langan for C McGonigle (44), Eoin McHugh for D Ó Baoill (54), Frank McGlynn for R McHugh (71)

Meath: Andrew Colgan; Seamus Lavin, Conor McGill, Shane Gallagher; James McEntee, Donal Keoghan, Ronan Ryan; Bryan Menton (0-1), Shane McEntee (0-1); Cillian O’Sullivan (0-2 1f), Ben Brennan (0-1), Bryan McMahon (0-2); Barry Dardis (0-1), Michael Newman (0-4 2f 1m), Thomas O’Reilly (1-1)
Subs: Graham Reilly for McMahon (34); Daragh Campion for Brennan (43); James Conlon for T O’Reilly (65); Gavin McCoy for S McEntee (67)

Referee: Derek O’Mahoney (Tipperary)