sport
Share icon

Share

Peter Canavan has positive slant after Donegal suffer shock loss to Down

Published 17:40 26 Apr 2026 BST

Updated 17:40 26 Apr 2026 BST

SportsJOE
Peter Canavan has positive slant after Donegal suffer shock loss to Down

Homesport

We did not see this coming!

Just weeks after smashing Kerry in the NLF final, Donegal have suffered a shock loss to Down in the Ulster SFC semi-final.

Despite 0-07 from Michael Murphy, the Mourne men - led by Daniel Guinness (1-03) and Pat Havern (0-07,1tp,4f) - overcame them 3-21 to 1-12 at O'Donnell Park in Letterkenny.

After the match, Peter Canavan put a positive slant on proceedings, arguing that Donegal needed a eye-opener of a game, which will stand to them later in the season.

He said: "If anything I think it may increase their chances of winning the All-Ireland, which may sound stupid."

DONEGAL: Gavin Mulreaney; Caolan McColgan, Brendan McCole, Eoghan Bán Gallagher; Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle (1-00), Finnbarr Roarty; Jason McGee (0-02,tp), Hugh McFadden; Shane O'Donnell, Ciaran Moore, Peadar Mogan (0-02,tp); Conor O’Donnell (0-03), Michael Murphy (0-07,1tp,4f), Oisin Gallen (0-05).

Subs: Daire Ó Baoill for Moore (40), Max Campbell for McHugh (47), Mark Curran for Gallagher (59), Shea Malone (0-2,tp) for Gallen (60)

DOWN: Ronan Burns; Peter Fegan, Pierce Laverty, Callum Rogers; Caolan Mooney (0-01), Shane Annett, Daniel Guinness (1-03); Odhran Murdrock (0-03), Ryan McEvoy (0-02,tp); Miceal Rooney (2-00), Ceilum Doherty (0-01), John McGeough; Adam Crimmins (0-04), Pat Havern (0-07,1tp,4f), Pearse McPolin

Subs: Liam Kerr for McGeough (45), Finn McElroy for Fegan (49), Jamie Doran for Mooney (57), Ryan Magill for McPolin (60), Ruairi McCormick for C Rogers (66)

Referee: Paddy Neilan (Roscommon).

Explore more on these topics: