Eva Gallagher was influential for Donegal this afternoon her side secured their TG4 All-Ireland senior football championship status with a relegation play-off victory over Leitrim.
Gallagher broke the deadlock with a point inside the opening 60 seconds. Leitrim then moved in front through points from Muireann Devaney and Ailbhe Clancy. Susanne White responded quickly, as she found the back of the Leitrim net.
As the sides traded scores through Gallagher and Leah Fox, Donegal moved six clear when Gallagher, Dowds and Mia Bennett all registered points in quick succession.
Laura O’Dowd then reduced Leitrim's deficit in half with a goal after 19 minutes, leaving two points between the teams. Jodie McFadden replied when she fired home Donegal’s second goal on 24 minutes.
Donegal headed for the interval leading 2-7 to 1-5. Niamh Boyle was on target early in the second half as Donegal picked up where they left off. Donegal remained in the driving seat as the sides traded further scores.
In the space of eight minutes Leitrim did outscore Donegal by 0-5 to 0-1 – the impressive Devaney registering four points of the five in that period.
Leitrim penalty save
Leitrim were offered a potential lifeline but seen a penalty saved by Clare Friel in the Donegal goal.
Late points for Donegal from the boots Gallagher and White sealed the win, as Leitrim return to the intermediate championship for 2026.
Donegal: C Friel; S McFadden, A Temple Asokuh, S McFeeley; B McLaughlin, E McGinley, C Gillespie; R Rodgers, M Bennett; S White, K Dowds, F McManamon; E Gallagher, J McFadden, N Boyle.
Subs: R McColgan for Rodgers (36), A Caulfield for Gillespie (40), E Boyle for McFadden (45), A McGranaghan for Bennett (52).
Scorers: E Gallagher 0-9, S White 1-2, J McFadden 1-0, M Bennett 0-2, K Dowds, N Boyle 0-1 each.
Leitrim: M Guckian; J Maye, C Tyrrell, E Quigley; D Beirne, C Owens, R McIntyre; N Tighe, A Quinn; A Gilmartin, V Egan, A Clancy; L Fox, M Devaney, L O’Dowd.
Subs: S Quinn for Egan (40), C Dolan for A Quinn (46), L McKeon for Quigley (52), E Shanley for Beirne (54).
Scorers: M Devaney 0-7 (6f), L O’Dowd 1-0, L Fox 0-3, A Clancy 0-2 (1f).
Referee: Philip Conway (Armagh).
