GAA: Dublin defeat Donegal after extra-time to advance to quarter-finals

Michael Bolton

Dublin are through to the All-Ireland quarter-finals after defeating Donegal 2-26 to 2-22 in extra-time in Croke Park.

Con O'Callaghan scored 1-5, while seven points from Colm Basquel helped Ger Brennan's side to the last eight.

In a tense first half, Donegal had the first goal of the game through Michael Langan, who capitalised on a poor Dublin kick-out to put them in front.

Dublin responded well and had their first goal through Con O'Callaghan.

In a first half which had little to separate the sides, Peader Mogan scored Donegal's second goal to give them a 2-7 to 1-8 lead at the interval.

Dublin started the quicker of the sides in the second half, and made the pressure count as O'Callaghan brought the game level in the 55th minute through a free at 1-13 to 2-10.

Donegal twice had the lead with scores from Jason McGee in the final minutes, but the drama was not over, as Paddy Small scored Dublin's second goal with three minutes to go.

Doing what he has so many times over the years, Michael Murphy saved Donegal with a two-point free to bring the game to extra-time.

Both sides were reduced to 13 men after four black cards, with Jason McGee, Niall Scully, Michael Murphy, and Theo Clancy going off after tensions flared at the end of normal time following Murphy's free.

Dublin flew out of the blocks in extra-time as they scored the first five points, four from Seán Guiden, to put them in control, but Donegal brought the gap back to one in extra-time.

The sides were restored to 15 each in the second half of extra-time, as Donegal had to chase the game.

However, it was Dublin who held on for victory in their biggest win under Ger Brennan.

They will face one of Cork, Louth, or Tyrone in the quarter-finals. The draw will take place on Monday morning.