Donegal v Antrim The Championship

Good evening, welcome to the Championship. Welcome to full

coverage of Donegal against Antrim. When it's all over, we will pour

over it all in the company of Oisin, All-Ireland win back in the day,

with Armagh. This park has become a fortress, they haven't lost in the

Championship since 2010. For that reason, they go into today's game as

overwhelming favourites. Your match commentary team, Martin Clarke

alongside Thomas Niblock. COMMENTATOR: Let's look first at

Donegal. They have an experienced defence. But one change, Mulligan

will make his debut. He comes in at forward and replaces Patrick Purdy.

As for Antrim, Chris Kerr, the captain, is in goal. A midfield

partnership of Sean McMahon Steven Beattie. Up front, the danger man,

McCann, the only survivor from the 2009 Donegal victory.

The referee today, Paddy Newman, he is from Roscommon. His third year as

a Championship referee. Today is his first ever Championship game in

Ulster. Big crowd in Macau Park. The winner will play Derry or Tyrone in

the semifinal. All ages in the crowd. Most expecting a Donegal win.

Championship 2017 is about to begin for Antrim and Donegal. The referee

throws in the ball, we are away. Straightaway, the ball into the

hands of Donegal's Ryan McHugh. Under no great panic, he pushes it

backwards. As Donegal on the attack, early doors here in Ballybofey. Ryan

McHugh is the man outside of him. He decides to go himself. He passes the

ball to Michael Carroll. Frank McGinn. Straightaway, Donegal just

inside the 45. Can he get the angle? The tackling. Forced Jimmy Brennan

out wide. Chance for a point to Donegal. Scoring the opening, the

shot comes in from the left foot, and it was wide. A clever move by

Donegal. It is a shot keirin Thomson has been nailing off that left foot.

He has had a superbly campaign, he will be disappointed. We will see a

lot that patient type of play from Donegal today as Antrim have numbers

back. Antrim, way with it. They have drawn their first free. Fitzpatrick

the man going down. Number 11. He has certainly had a busy week.

Suspended for 48 weeks. That is what everyone bought on Wednesday. But by

the end of the week that was crushed, and he is eligible to play.

-- it was quashed. A free for Antrim on the 45, taken by that one --

their corner forward, McGourty. And Antrim have the lead. Beautiful kick

by CJ McGourty. We have watched him do that for a number of seasons now.

He had a fantastic league campaign. A significant breeze. Favourite of

Antrim in this half. CJ use that very well. Donegal and kick-out. On

the attack. A man inside, Jason McGee, he finds Frank McGlynn, ever

present in that defence of Donegal. Martin Reilly goes again. Eventually

he finds Ryan McHugh. Three different Antrim players. Play

continues. Play out on that far side, it's the

cornerback. Won by Gallagher, chance for an early goal for Donegal for

the briefest of seconds. Michael Murphy picks it up. Chance of a goal

for Donegal! And a last-ditch tackle just about does enough. Well, a

scramble in the Antrim defence. Tried to turn defence into attack.

The ball down the left-hand side in the hands of Mark Sweeney, a former

think Bridget is club man, now playing his club football in Dublin.

-- Saint Bridget's club man. Wonderful kick, Antrim increased

their lead. Superb score, lovely little pass from Mark Sweeney, what

a great counterattack, bodies on the line from Antrim, you can see them

falling over and bring themselves in front of the ball to prevent bad

goal from Donegal, which they did. The goal was an -- that goal. Look

at the desperation in the defending. A beautiful point by McCann after a

lovely pass inside. Great confidence builder for Antrim. In the meantime,

Donegal won the kick-out. Adams has plenty to ponder. Two points to no

score, four minutes gone. That is McCann's kick, just using the

breeze, got a job on his marker, don't have to over kick the ball,

just floated up into the wind and the breeze has done the rest from

both McGourty's point and from McCann. McCann is the only link from

the 2009 surprise win between Antrim and Donegal here at Ballybofey. That

man was a teenager at that time. Playing one of his first years for

Donegal seniors. Five points that day, it wasn't enough. A chance of

scoring this afternoon. Michael Murphy, as you would expect.

Fantastic take. Murphy likes drawing them in from that side. Some people

would say, you know, that favours a free kick. I personally like hitting

them the opposite side. I have seen them strike the ball beautifully,

especially here in Ballybofey. No surprise he is the first scorer for

Donegal. Matthew Fitzpatrick was under pressure when he won the ball

initially, took the return pass and kicked it away. Donegal have

possession inside their own half. They build from the back. Kieron

Ward taking no chances. Passes it to Jason McGee. The ball in the hands

of Martin Reilly. Here comes to an ward again. Goes past his player.

Pops it outside. Donegal asking questions of this

Antrim defence, but so far the trim defence are answering every one of

them. Sean McVeigh, the Antrim midfielder. This passes it inside.

McCann still going, chances of a score on the left foot. McCann

knocked it over the bar. Fantastic counterattack yet again from Antrim.

One thing we did know, if Antrim were going to be competitive and

potentially think about winning this game, they have to be clinical.

Three attacks for three scores, a great conversion rate. Even turning

it an attack into a shot, never mind three points, will be most pleasing

for Antrim so far. Donegal on the attack, the ball in the familiar

hands of Brian Moote you. Can he bring in the goods today? McHugh

goes for it. -- Ryan McHugh. Donegal ball. Michael Murphy, number 14 on

his back. Expecting to see him operating war around the middle. --

more around the middle. Keirin Thomson has plenty of confidence to

go around his man. There was a foul at the very end. It looked as if you

McFadden was fouled. The referee says there is going to be a free in

to Donegal. Some of the supporters. Perhaps not the start they wanted.

3-1. We will have a look at that again. It did appear he tripped over

himself. Just one of those ones where he is moving forward. Hugh

McFadden, a fortunate free kick for Donegal. No doubt Murphy will stick

it over the bar. He was going to put it on the ground but he will just

take it out of his hands now. Taking it across the bounce. A chance to

narrow the gap, Michael Murphy. Captain of a Donegal team that has

won three Ulster championships, he would like to get to another final.

Loc cit over the bar. Just one point between them. Donegal will crowded

out. Antrim's defending has been disciplined and they have been able

to hit Donegal on the counter. Antrim have really started this game

well. Superb catch in the middle of the field. That time it was Stephen

Beattie. The ball pumped into the area where McCann is very dangerous.

Runs into it, confidence to take his dummy. On the right foot, he scored

a wonderful point with his left foot a moment ago and almost got another

one with his right. He has kicked one with his right and one with his

left, that was a fantastic piece of play. McCann looks free, he has been

carrying injuries for a few seasons and you can tell he is really on

fire today. He is gearing, his speed and creativity can be dangerous dog

bite Michael Murphy knocks it into the corner for Jamie Brennan. -- he

can be dangerous. Shot from distance from our way out. You McFadden, too

much Perl on it and it goes wide. Martin, from an Antrim perspective,

those managers, Adams and Fitzsimmons, everybody expects

Donegal to win today. To see his team starting well, leading and

playing with confidence, it must be a massive boost? It is, and Antrim

over the years have never feared anyone. They come here expecting to

put in a performance where they are competitive in every game, but they

ended up getting relegated. Adams and the Antrim players will not fear

Donegal in any way. You can tell at the start of this game that is the

case. Hugh McFadden was fouled he hit that shot but the referee brings

it back for the initial infringement, it is going to be

another free for Donegal on the 13 metre line. This should be 3-3.

A big crowd in Ballybofey. Most Rob Lee expecting Donegal to win. A

wonderful start from Antrim. -- most probably expecting Donegal to win.

The reverential hush in Ballybofey. Left footed free straight over the

bar, three points each, ten minutes gone. Yes, it is interesting that

the three Donegal freezer have all been very close to goal. Some of the

match, even that one it wasn't a particularly obvious free kick.

Donegal have been very happy to have those three scores on the board

because there attacks haven't been as creative as we know they can be.

Chris Kerr's goalkick way in the middle of the field high, the

breaking ball is won by Donegal inside of the 45-metre line. Help is

found in the form of Ryan McHugh, left footed, tries to go for it and

bounces just in front of Chris Kerr, who used every inch of his six foot

four frame to get his fingertips on that. Always dangerous to let the

ball bounced in front of you, but he did well, manage the situation.

Antrim build again from the back. BT finds Matthew Fitzpatrick, who

gives it inside, continues the run, doesn't get it back. -- Stephen

Beattie. Bradley tries to switch the play. Antrim lose possession. But

they have won a free just outside of the 45. And another opportunity to

go in front. CJ was out well in front. He took the ball well at the

second attempt. He will have every confidence in himself to say all

this over. He had the first kicks, the first score of the game for

Antrim from an almost identical position where he used the win to

his advantage -- the wind. Although it is outside the 45 metres, you

would expect CJ to put this one point already in this game, going

for number two. Curls in, that's fabulous. That was sensational. We

were right behind that, Thomas, just beautiful, the way he judged where

to stop the ball outside of the left-hand post. It drifted in right

between the goals, just a phenomenal point, you can't underestimate what

a great strike that is and how clinical Antrim have been. And proof

if ever it was needed to suggest the ultimate influence of having a good

free taker to take the manage in those situations. Absolutely right.

Donegal on the attack. He is made e-commerce thought about moving its

store -- forward but it's that goes back. Michael Murphy tackled from

behind by Shaun McRae. The referee with no hesitation gives a free in

to Donegal from about 24 metres out -- Sean Abbott raised a point I

would like to see Michael Murphy do a lot more of that, on the charge,

demanding the ball. The angle of his run was fantastic, he was fed the

ball and charged for goal, there is only one way to stop him and that is

to bring him down. I just think that while he is doing so much heavy work

round the middle, if he can do that more and more, Donegal will go into

this season's Championship. A fantastic start by Murphy, really

leading from the front. The three is taken by Ciaran Thomson. Just

settling himself -- for free. Looking at the target, plenty of

height. Over the bar! Donegal's fourth point today. All four of them

coming from frees. All four of them from scoring range, freeze for a

player of Thomson and Murphy's standard. Playing into the breeze

they would be content with chipping away and having four points on the

board in the 13th minute. Four points apiece, 30 minutes gone. A

free in to Donegal yet again. Owen Gallagher drifting forward,

creeps inside the 45. The ball in the hands of Jason McGee, transfers

it to Ciaran Thomson, his partner in midfield. The shot is over the bar.

Donegal take the lead for the first time in their first points from

play. It is that man, Ciaran Thompson. He scored his free kicks

with the inside of the brute, this is a difficult skill, the breeze is

blowing into his face, he drilled underneath the ball, you see how low

he put his leg to the ground, fantastic contact on the ball and a

great point. What a fabulous catch by Matthew Fitzpatrick! His shot

just wasn't as good as the initial cat. He climbed highest in front --

the initial catch. Down on the ground he tried to toe tap it right

into the screens on, something you very readily see in Gaelic football.

-- very rarely. Donegal on the attack, the ball in the hands of

Michael Carroll, pretends to go one way and goes another. Jason McGee

looking for options left on side. Non-ahead of him so he decides to go

backwards. There is the wrong from Frank McGlynn, what can he create?

Passing it to Michael Murphy, just takes on the player, wins the free.

The referee looks at it. Shaun McRae, it judged to have committed

the foul. -- Sean McVeigh. Murphy wanted the

ball to go forward. We see many teams are happy to part the ball

sideways, backwards. Murphy drove the ball forward, great to see him

do that, he is such a great athlete, so dangerous. Sean McVeigh has his

hands full trying to contain him at the minute. Ciaran Thompson, an

opportunity to increase his scoreline. From Donegal, three from

27 metres out. Swings the left but at it. Over the bar it goes, 6-4.

Donegal making Antrim pay, particularly from frees. Donegal

committed one foul in this game. As for Antrim? They have committed

five. That is the difference. I would say, I noticed it is Paddy's

first game in an Ulster Championship, some of those frees

you might not get off other referees, but let's commend the free

taking and the general point taking of these two sides. To have ten

points on the board in the first 15 minutes, you don't see it very often

in an Ulster Championship. Midfielder Stephen Beattie, he has

found a point. A former Antrim hurler had the decision at the

beginning of the season to go with the hurlers or the foot ball,

decided to go with the football. He hits a lovely point from the queue

angle, 6-5, just the minimum between them. High ball into the heart of

the Antrim defence. The saffron is come away with it, the saffron is or

green today. -- the saffrons or green today. Keirin Ward, -- Caolan

Ward, can he find his man? Lockdown, comes off one of the Antrim players.

The umpire suggests it is a 45. I believe McCann played for that

committee was outnumbered along the end line. He kicked it at the

Donegal defence with the hope that he would win a 45, intelligent play.

It gives an opportunity from a gaudy to keep up this great accuracy

Antrim have had so far today. -- for CJ McGroarty. It is going to be 45,

taken by CJ McGroarty. Trying to judge where the wind is

blowing. Whatever slight advantage it may have, it looks like it is

going out this first half. Off the tee that. -- off the deck. A foul

has been committed, pulled back. Play will not continue, a free out

for Donegal. Fantastic catch by Chris Kerr, you want your big men

under the crossbar to save, pretty much he saved a point. Fantastic

leap, fantastic catch, good effort by CJ McGroarty but great work from

Murphy. Great catch from Murphy. Donegal on the attack. The ball of

Caolan Ward pulls it out to Jason McGee. Michael Murphy. Two or three

phases of play before Murphy gets on the ball, tucked the ball on the

ground. Sean McMahon Egypt to get things back and running. -- Sean

McVeigh eager to get things back and running. Antrim struggling to get

the ball out of their own defence. He played from the back, Conor

Hamill. The full-back, Patrick Gallagher, just about everyone at

Ballybofey thought that was going to be impact, but the challenge didn't

happen. Quick turn, on the left foot, the umpires look at one

another and the ball goes wide. Lovely crossfield pass to McGourty.

40 was under more pressure than he was. He would usually put them under

the left foot. Paddy McGrath, fair pressure. First wide for Antrim.

Donegal on the attack yet again. The ball is with cornerback Gallagher.

It will be a free out. Here is the full forward, Brendan Bradley.

Centre halfback, the St John's club man. Passes it outside. The ball

finds its way to Brendan Bradley again, switches the play again.

Matthew Fitzpatrick. One a Sigurdsson cup with St Mary's just a

couple of months ago. High ball played into the square. McGourty

with the shot! It goes along the face of the goal and wide! What an

opportunity. Well, the Antrim coaching staff knew

that was a real opportunity. CJ McGourty gets it. Just misjudged it.

Great movement by McGourty across the face to get into that space. The

side of the ground. Again he snatched at it. It was not an easy

opportunity with the angle closing in and Paddy McGrath right on him,

but you would expect CJ to hit the target that, he will be really

disappointed with that. Lovely movement by Antrim, getting in

behind, you don't often see that. Over the past three minutes, Donegal

have had three attacks. The referee has blown the whistle three times.

Two free is going out today, that was the third. Matthew Fitzpatrick.

Gives it to his cornerback, Peter Healy. Declan Lynch has it. It is in

the comfortable hands of McCann. Take a bounce. The referee says no,

it is going to be a free out because he was using his other hand to push

the player away. One point between the teams. 21 minutes gone. Those

supporters might just be happy enough. Yes, they will. They've made

the long journey across here to Ballybofey. They saw their minors

have a fantastic win after extra time. We can see the Antrim seniors

have really brought it right up to Donegal. Donegal on the charge yet

again. Brian McHugh at the end of that one, opportunity presents

itself, just the wrong side of the post. The ball goes wide. McHugh was

looking for a man inside, he wanted the goal chance. When it was gone he

went for a point, he was under extreme pressure when he tried to

hook that back out over his shoulder. Just wide. Brian McHugh,

an old-style, former Young Player of the Year, terrific young footballer

Ryan McHugh. Antrim in possession, the ball with wing halfback Paddy

McAleer. Tackled well by Murphy, McVeigh goes charging. Here come

Donegal... Martin Reilly. Nice babe of the shoulder from

Ciaran Thompson, who has been very impressive in the opening 23

minutes. Hugh McFadden from a long way out.

Super score. Fantastic score. McFadden is trying to lift the crowd

as well. From that distance, the wind has died down a little in the

last few minutes. Even to take the shot and was fairly ambitious, but

to execute it was superb skill. Donegal lead by two points, their

biggest lead so far in this game. 23 minutes gone. Chris Kerr will take

the kicked out. Looking for someone. Hits it short, finds his man, as is

the way in modern day Gaelic football.

Paddy McNair ride, moving forward at speed -- Paddy McBride. Bradley has

another man inside him. Stephen Beattie going for a second point,

goes for the shot at the wrong side of the post. Another wide for

Antrim, therefore so far. Yes, they started the game so well -- their

fourth so far. In terms of converting opportunities, they have

just fall away. Donegal have been able to get a bit more pressure on

their shots. McCann and McGourty have not been as isolated. The shots

have been tougher, Antrim will be looking to get another score. It is

an advantage the wind has given them. Caolan -- Ciaran Thompson find

his partner. Antrim or on the attack again. McGourty out in front of his

man. The ball was too far on top of them. Instead, Donegal go. This is

where Donegal are really dangerous, on the counterattack. The pass a

little further in front than perhaps McHugh intended. The referee says it

was a push and it will be a free in for Donegal. The ball kicked

backwards. Hugh McFadden passed the ball

inside. A shot comes in. The shot isn't on target, a wafer Donegal. --

a wide. Their fourth so far. What will be under management by feeling

right now? They will be relatively happy, they have got the faces of

Donegal and force them to shoot from distance, they've had some great

turnovers. Early in the game they were able to isolate their two

threats, McCann and McGourty inside. They will be concerned in the last

few minutes that they have been taking backwards and not been able

to get the crossfield ball, the early ball into the inside forwards,

as McGourty is down the line for this one. A great kick-out for Chris

Kerr, Brendan Bradley took the mark. The advantage is that nobody is

around to dispossess. The disadvantage of taking, gives

Donegal an extra few seconds to get everybody back. Perhaps it won't

battle. The referee says it was a foul on the early infringement

brings the playback. The Antrim are giving as good as they get. That

shouldn't really be a surprise. So many people were saying they didn't

have a chance today. Perhaps people aren't surprised. I think for regard

how will be a bit concerned about, we see again -- Gallagher will be

concerned. They during the fire. It seems a little more open. I know it

is early days in the Championship and a long time since the league,

but Donegal seem potentially a little lacking in the structures

around their defensive game that they've had over the last number of

years. Oh, brilliant point! Superb free from CJ McGourty, absolutely

brilliant. 7-6. The Antrim management console, and probably the

answer is, brilliant score from McGourty! When he is confident, he's

brilliant stop might yes, he is. You almost knew he was going to but that

of despite it being a difficult free. The break of ball goes the way

of Donegal. The crowd energised by that. You can hear them just a

little bit louder. Hugh McFadden, partially blocked down. The ball

eventually find its way to the other side of the field. The school comes

in from distance, but it's not a score because it has gone wide. So

will the score. Keirin -- Ciaran Thompson is the man who kicked that

one. He has made it five. He was on for quite some time. The partial

block from the Antrim defender was able to just get the Antrim defence

back, set up enough to put pressure on to make that particular shot.

Michael Murphy does well to win the break of ball yet again. Sean

McVeigh chasing him, goes back another player, Frank McGlynn.

Could Donegal, the kings of patience, take their chance, just

wait for somebody, a little bit of space for some of the length,

run-through, I should say. A little too long without hand telling, it is

going to be a free, and taken quickly. Brendan Bradley with 14 on

the back of his church playing a deeper role during this game. -- on

the back of his shirt. Fitzpatrick evades the tackle. Fitzpatrick still

going, switches the play. Can McGourty get there? He does.

And already you can see that Gallagher has picked up CJ McGourty.

It was initially Paddy McGrath. Peter Middleton, a man outside him,

still going, Donegal, scrambling everybody back, 13 players inside

their own 45. This is what Donegal are waiting for, the turnover from

Antrim, someone to misplace the pass, then you see them slingshot

forward. So far and should have kept the ball really well. McCann didn't

get his butt on to the Boyle, and it bounced into the hands of the

goalkeeper. Ryan McHugh has two Antrim players

for company, there are still going, still charging against this defence

but gives the ball away. Antrim come away with it, Patrick Gallagher goes

for the kick pass. The full-back kicking the ball, something we

rarely see, well known by Brendan Bradley, filed in the process of

doing so, the free taking quickly. Fitzpatrick, lovely lazy style when

he runs, seems to glide by players, did well to recover that situation.

That was a heavy challenge on Mark Sweeney.

He looks in a lot of pain there. It was a hefty challenge and those ones

particularly when players go down with their heads over the ball, you

really expose yourself, and it was a robust challenge by McGee. He is

aggressive, and certainly the ball was one, but it will make no

difference, that is very sore in the head region. The game will be held

up and rightly so. Mark Sweeney was sitting up.

Ponder for Adams and Fitzsimmons, just a point behind with half an

hour gone. -- plenty to ponder. I guess this is the last five minutes

were Antrim are thinking, we are doing well, in this game, let

Donegal snatch a goal in the end of the first half and it changes the

complexion at half-time. Antrim are not trying to hold onto the lead,

though. Hyperlink on the Chancellor Antrim goal, Fitzpatrick with the

shot, and it is wide. The reaction tells its own story. What an

opportunity for Antrim, and the ball goes wide. It was, just miss kicked

shot from ham more about failing, and it was an acute angle but what

an opportunity, did everything right. Antrim come away with it

again, Sweeney with ball in hand, referee says no foul. This is where

Donegal are dangerous, on the counterattack, driving forward with

plenty of numbers, yellow jerseys everywhere, the bowlers into Murphy,

an opportunity for a scholar, there is the kick and there is the go. And

you just had the feeling it was coming, those last few minutes

before the end of the first half, dangerous minutes. Antrim had the

opportunity to find the back of the net, they didn't take it, Donegal

did, and now it is 1- 07. What a great run.

Fantastic car and got the crowd going. Gallagher introduced as a

late replacement to McGourty, raised eyebrows inside this stadium. Antrim

on the attack again. The shot again dropped short.

Donegal have it. On the attack yet again, 1- 0726 points. The smaller

the margin where Gaelic football points can turn. Donegal have it

again, it is that man, Jamie Brennan yet again, is he fouled? The referee

says no. He has stopped play -- the referee has

stopped play because Donegal player is on the ground. Great defending by

Conor Hamill on that occasion, lovely clean hand on the ball and

then fouled. Brendan would have been -- Brennan would have been confident

Hattie got past Hamill but he made the file. Lovely tackling as we see

there. Clean as it gets. Great tackle. A forward making that tackle

almost makes it even more impressive. It does, and as well as

that, if you turn the ball over in your own you can convert a turnover

into a score or if you rely on getting turnovers in your defence

that is a long way up the field, so that is what managers want and the

team love seeing, winning the ball back, particularly if it is a

forward, shows everyone is buying into the team ethos of hard work.

Declan Lynch. Passes it forward to the court of

Patrick Gallaher taking the ball perhaps 30 yards. Here is BT, away

on the left-hand side, decides to go backwards. The ball in the pores of

Gallagher. Antrim just trying to create that space, that opportunity.

Sweeney from a distance, tackled from behind, the referee says no

free. Kick out short. Donegal yet again on

the attack, Martin Riley seeps into the 45. Goes for the shot. Jamie

Brennan is having a real influence in this game. Fantastic score. I

love the way he used the hand passed by McGee, get it into the man on

form who has just scored a goal. Fantastic finish from that side of

the ground as well, a real treat for the fans on that side of the

stadium, a band roaring before the umpire reached for his white flag.

We talked about the five minutes before the end of the first half,

just a point separating the sides, and those five minutes are up. It is

just a completely different team talk at half-time. It is, but you

have to say the good teams wait for their moment, since an opportunity,

and Donegal have put one on the board. They'd probably now put in a

match-winning lead considering how well they play in the second half of

games. They have the breeze behind them now. As much as Antrim could

have clung on, it was only an inch or two across away from the post,

but they are good teams and sense their moments, they pile on the

scores and Donegal will be satisfied with the scoreboard and maybe more

so than their overall performance. One Antrim player is a cause for

concern, on the ground receiving medical treatment at the moment. We

will wait to see just what is happening. It looks like it is

Fitzpatrick on the ground. I think it is Sean McGreevy, former Antrim

goalkeeper, trying to take off his gloves. It is not him, it looks

nothing like him! My apologies to both men! This will be a worrying

sign for Antrim because Mathew Fitzpatrick has been good when he

has got on the ball. The dispossession tackle earlier was

because of him. He would be a big loss stop new he is a great player,

lovely to watch on the ball. He can pass the ball and take his own score

but this looks like a significant injury, whether it is me or lower

leg, they have called for the stretcher. Very disappointing for

Antrim and Fitzpatrick. It has been a bad week for Mathew Fitzpatrick, a

very disappointing one on all fronts, but he got the opportunity

to play today. I know he was dying to play in this championship game

but his afternoon has been ended early. We are into injury time in

the first half. Ryan McHugh just gives him a pat. Very disappointing

for Fitzpatrick, Antrim and bad management team because they will

know what Rossi will be. And massive loss, you don't want any player to

graft but particularly such a significant character. The way he

was playing, helped inspire the team, so it will sink their hearts

to see him go off in such pain. In -- it unfortunately looks to be a

significant injury, whether it is his knee, it is very early but there

is concern for them there, sad, you know? Let's have a look at that

again, there is Fitzpatrick going in for it, goes down, straightaway,

grabs it, difficult to tell. Let's look at it again, and knock to his

ankle and his knee. Straightaway he grabs his right ankle. It could be

his ankle or his knee or both. We just don't know, it is early days,

but, great to hear him getting a round of applause, but it wasn't an

incident that was particularly unfair as a challenge, it was just a

greasy surface. Well-wishers turned that it -- Matt Fitzpatrick.

Replacing Fitzpatrick is number 17, Kevin O'Boyle, the former Antrim

captain. No more as a defender of attacker so perhaps a train jerked

-- change of strategy from the Antrim management.

CJ McGourty is on the 65 metre line, and is he going to have a go from

here? I don't think so. I don't think I ever saw a kick scored with

the breeze not being overly significant from here. We will see.

There is map Fitzpatrick -- Mathew Fitzpatrick. Sad tight site to see

Gaelic football. CJ McGourty did hit it short. Antrim on the attack yet

again, McBride goes for the shot, it is acute, goes for it, and another

wide for Antrim. That is their seventh so far today in comparison

to Donegal's five. They have had opportunities. Yes, and that is the

thing Rory Gallagher will be most focused on, trying to rectify in the

second half, the fact that Antrim have got in behind the defence so

often, but so many shots off. The half-time whistle goes. The score is

Donegal one goal and eight points, Antrim six points. Supporters of

both Donegal and Antrim needing their hats and sunglasses as the sun

has come out to play. Beautiful sunshine, Donegal and Antrim

supporters making the trip, all of them hoping to be in the next round

of the championship and play either Derry or Tyrone for a place in the

Ulster cup. Rory Gallagher, undefeated as assistant manager and

manager of this Donegal team. He will be hoping that run continues.

Play has restarted, the second half under way and Antrim when the

breaking ball. Straightaway, Mark Sweeney one back. Rory McCann gives

it to Sweeney, knew it would be blocked down. Sean McVeigh, gets it

to Sweeney, passes it backwards. Trying to take on McGee, referee

says it is free to Donegal. CJ McGourty will take this one.

Confirmation of the teams going along the bottom of your screens,

and it has been confirmed to the BBC that Matt Fitzpatrick has sustained

ligament damage to the ankle. Free taken by McGourty off the

ground, curling, doesn't have the distance or direction. Michael

Murphy not for the first time today catches it inside the six yard box.

Donegal on the counterattack. Breaking at speed. Cheon world. Now

it is Ciaran Thompson. Trying to create space to get the

shot off and Antrim are defending well, CJ McGourty back in his own 45

there, ball goes loose, Donegal win it again, referee says no foul but

eventually blows the whistle and the free will be given. 47 metres from

goal. Yes, a strange start to the second half. A lot of mistakes, a

lot of ball in dispute, and you can see that particular passage of play

probably was a free kick in the end, and Murphy who caught that all under

his own goalposts from the McGourty 45 metre free kick, charged up the

field inspirationally, and is now with the wind at his back. We see

him put this one in the ground and it is not beyond him. Michael Murphy

just picking the grass from his studs. He has been in this situation

so many times before, ball behind the 45, on the ground, goes for the

shot, curls, doesn't have a direction. The man is human after

all! Off the ground, curling, was never really making it. And it is

one .0 8-6 points. Ball out of play, will be taken by Donegal.

Paddy McGrath goes past his man, almost as though he wasn't there,

Frank McGlynn gets it perhaps fortunately, McGlynn still going,

trying to find Riley, Edi was. Now with Thompson. Back with Riley

again, here is McGlynn, continued his run, space, could be tempted to

go for the score, over the bar it goes, Frank McGlynn. Round of

applause from the Donegal support, his championship debut made in 2006

and still going strong in 2017. Fantastic by McGlynn, the way he

ghosts inside, it's not like the opposition don't know about it, he

has done it so long, but the timing and composure on his weaker left

foot as well, fantastic scoring an important were Donegal. Murphy

driving at this Antrim defence. Loses possession, Antrim come away

with it, trying to break at speed. Here is Kevin O'Boyle, and allows it

to bounce in front of him, from Antrim captain, just passes it

inside. -- former Antrim captain. He is Sweeney. Passes it back.

Peter Healy tries to find Bradley, who in turn finds Kevin O'Boyle,

will Eoin Doyle go for it? Bounced it twice. -- will Ogogo for it. The

right decision but perhaps not the right man. A wasted opportunity,

that passwords on, badly gave it to a Boyle and there was another chance

for a go if Antrim played faster and properly. They only have themselves

to blame for that file, and Donegal can build against a white Paddy

McGrath, more championship starts than any other player, currently

playing Gaelic football. So consistent, he offers so much

defensively. When he gets on the ball he is neat and tidy and uses it

well and that -- that stat doesn't surprise me, a key member of that

team. Donegal just relaxing into this attack, it almost seems. So

comfortable in possession. They eventually win the free, and this

will be a substitution coming on, Jack Dowling from the Saint Bridges

club in Belfast, his father played for Armagh back in the day, and Jack

very much with Antrim, six foot four frame, I would imagine he would go

straight into the middle of the field. He will, I played alongside

him at Queens University for a couple of years, he will be throwing

himself around, a big man as you can see, plays without aggression, but

plenty of skill as well, unfortunate not to start but has almost a full

half to impose himself. William McCann then man taken off, so it

will be a free for Donegal -- Ruairi McCann. In similar position to the

one he missed a few minutes ago. Retford, plenty of distance to spare

and straight between the posts. Fantastic kick, and that ability to

self correct from the previous one, almost an identical position,

studied further towards the right-hand post and a great kick.

Instead of dropping his head, he learned from his mistakes. Great

kick. Antrim on the attack. McVeigh passes the ball to Declan Lynch. Now

Stephen Beatty. Passes backwards team that they again and here is

Jack Dowling, and there is Matt Fitzpatrick, and unfortunately

Fitzpatrick is using a crutch. Thankfully it seems to be walking to

an extent. We wish him well in his recovery. Good to see him come back

out and support the team, get round to the bench. I have had an ankle

ligament injury myself, needed surgery, and it is nasty and will

probably be a season over, but thankfully it hasn't been more

severe than that for Fitzpatrick. Murphy goes charging in but it goes

to ground and with three yellow jerseys surrounding him, eventually

the ball on the ground. Free out, Ryan McHugh takes it. Ward finds

McGlynn. Here is the cornerback, Gallagher. Again, passes it

backwards. Donegal very much in control. On the attack yet again,

the shot from distance, blocked down. Antrim come away with it.

Patrick Gallagher now has his hands on the ball. Passes it back. They

tried to break out this left-hand side. Donegal with the high press,

trying to prevent Antrim coming out of defence, that is brilliant play.

Paddy McAleer still going, passes it inside to Conor Hamill, you could do

with support, finds it. Badly. The referee blows his whistle, stops the

play. He has to stop play because Donegal player is down. It is

Brennan, he looks as if he has done something to his right shoulder

during the tackle, he is in a great amount of pain. Right in front of us

here, as soon as he went to ground he was rolling in agony, and it

looks like a serious shoulder injury to the man who has scored the only

goal and has had a great game so far. That looks so. -- it looks

painful. He has made a brilliant impact since coming into this

Donegal senior team. Concerned supporters, but all will be happy to

see Brennan back on his feet. Will he be able to continue? The pat on

the back suggests he will. We can see it just as he was tackling, he

lands on the right shoulder, you can get a stinger sometimes where you

just get that pain and it eases once you get up and get moving, and

that's what they are going to try with him. Certainly looks painful. A

change in the Donegal team, Eoin McHugh coming on, cousin of Brian,

cousin of Mark, nephew of Martin. The man taken off is Mulligan, the

late replacement for Patrick McBrearty. So a debut for him.

Antrim in possession, Sweeney gives it to the long-running Jack Dowling

who is chopped down as he attacked the ball, and a free for Antrim.

They haven't scored in the second half. They could really do with a

point here because the longer that goes on, it could turn into an awful

disaster for Antrim. Absolutely. CJ will hope to put this over the bar.

Good courage by Dowling, he put his head low over the ball, and got a

leg to the head for his troubles, and a free kick in. Antrim

definitely need this, the game needs Antrim to get on the scoreboard

here. Seven points between the teams. CJ McGourty either the

target. -- I was at the target. Kicks it over the crossbar, deficit

reduced to six. Antrim's first score in 20 minutes. As we said they

definitely need it. Nicely floated in as well by McGourty offer left

footer, bloated in really nice, and Antrim will hope to build on this

but you get the sense that Donegal are waiting to pounce and kill this

came off. Brilliant catch from Jason McGee. Takes the mark, hits it

quickly, Hugh McFadden, had an impact on the first half, tries to

play it inside but the referee says it was a foul, just a little earlier

before he hit the ball inside. A free in for Donegal. He pulled it

back for the advantage there, within the five seconds, the advantage

didn't accrue. Again you would expect Donegal to take this one. It

was probably a free kick there as they were charging in. Good

refereeing. Chris Kerr between the sticks, Antrim captain this year.

Michael Murphy, Donegal captain since he was 22. In spite of all he

has achieved he is still just 27 years old. Remarkable maturity, and

an impressive young man. Rounds of applause suggest the free was

successful. It was. 1.1 1-7 points. Rory Gallagher, almost looks as

though he is playing every pass, taking every hit on the sideline.

Jack Dowling goes up for it, gets its hands on, the referee says it

will be a free end for Antrim. Sean McVeigh will take it, hits it back.

Takes the return pass. McVeigh still going, passes it inside, finds the

centre halfback. Declan Lynch, now Paddy McBride, nice ball inside to

the path of Bradley who goes for the shot and again it drops short.

Donegal now have time to build from the back. McGee, looks for the

return pass, doesn't get it. McHugh gives it to his midfielder, that was

Jason McGee, now Donegal have the ball inside the 13, playing it out,

however. Michael Murphy. Trying to get into a bit of action, Murphy

knocks McVeigh out of his way, goes for the score. Well, that is what it

is. Pushes McVeigh out of his way, lies back, just throws the boot at

it, his fifth point today. He goes from strength to strength.

Fantastic, and he has done so much today, taking the game on, and

proactive, McVeigh went with him at that time he made the move. He just

shrugged McVeigh, who was a big man, and hit that shot and you knew when

he got that he would nail the squirrel from so far out, and he is

really stepping up today, Michael Murphy, what a point. Great score

from the Donegal captain leading by example, Bailey is, in the middle of

things yet again, going for the catch, doesn't get it, breaking

ball, referee says a foul, free into Donegal. Karl Lacey has come on as

substitute replacing Michael Carroll. There is Karl Lacey, the

year, first played for Donegal in 2006, not a bad man to bring him on.

Fantastic stunt to have them. The retirements Donegal have had have

been documented. Some that the boy perhaps have their best football

behind the moment is a chance for the new guys to come in, Callaghan

Brennan. The opportunities are there now for them to get minutes and

feature but key for people like Murphy and Lacey to come back into

the fold, even in the fold, Ruan Pienaar in changing, after --

training after a win loss to keep things on track. This game is fast

deteriorating into the Michael Murphy show. Round of applause for

him, and there he is, conducting the orchestra in the forward line, 1.1

3-7 points, six points from Murphy today. He has taken them on. From

the midfield role, often I have watched him play and I have wanted

him to give the ball, get it back, driver defenders because I know he

strikes the into them, and watching him do it today is fantastic. He

looks anomalous form as the season rolls on. You are losing a game by

six points and end up making some substitutions, there is one from

Antrim's point of view, bringing on Conor Small.

Here comes Brendan Bradley, being taken off.

Brendan Bradley is, and there is Patrick McBrearty. Again, not a bad

man to bring on. Yes, I still rate McBrearty as one of the top three

four inside forwards in the game, the latex possession so plainly and

turned sharply, and that left foot is so damaging. I expect him to

start games at Donegal and progress further in the Ulster Championship.

Jamie Brennan makes way, breaking ball was won by Antrim to McCann.

It's it short. Behind from Michael Murphy. Murphy

looking to do the dirty work. I have been hit by Jack Dowling before,

Murphy has felt the effect of that, he is one solid man, loves the gym,

Jack Dowling. It wasn't his fault that Murphy came in trying to

dispossess him. He has come out potentially with sore ribs, Michael

Murphy. Amazing that Michael Murphy is 27 years of age, captain of a

county team at 22 committee said the 2011 game against Kildare when they

won that quarterfinal was the best ever memory in a Donegal shirt,

despite winning championships after that despite winning an All-Ireland.

No matter how big he has put in the big stage, he is still doing dirty

work. He is. He charges into the ball, looking to get a hand in to

get it back. He might have hurt his hand. Yes, I think you are right.

Hand or potentially ribs, lower ribs. We just don't know. Hopefully

he will be OK to continue. He is one of the great players. Certainly of

his own generation, the way he has led teams. I played against him at

school football. Even then, you could tell he had leadership

qualities. What a career. After those medals, you would be very,

very happy. He is hungry for more. He won't want to come off. He said

Brendan and of any was his childhood hero. One suspects there are many

children in the crowd to beg where that man is indeed his hero. Murphy

is back on his feet. Doesn't look 100%. I would be surprised if

Donegal took the risk of letting Murphy finished the game, which is

disappointing for the supporters. But I would imagine they will maybe

try to get him off to protect their star player. Kevin O'Boyle takes on

his man, does very well indeed. Patrick Gallagher, the full-back,

tries to play at inside. Players charging with the ball.

Conor Small finds his man. Kevin O'Boyle again. CJ McGourty, very

deep. McGourty once the return pass, doesn't get it. Paddy McBride has

it, does well to maintain possession, skips past one man and

tries to go buy a second. Transfers in football, Jack Dowling has it. It

is in the hands of Kevin O'Boyle. CJ McGourty. They are having to work

very hard to get into this Donegal half of the field. Declan Lynch.

Donegal's 13 players inside their own 45-metre line. Cornerback, Peter

Healy, Declan Lynch. Paddy McBride, Jack Dowling.

Donegal are making it extremely difficult for this Antrim attack to

penetrate that defence. No holes, no gaps. Thomas McCann, trying to

create a bit of space for himself, goes into the tackle, stripped of

the ball. Donegal, away with it, and you wouldn't be surprised if Donegal

can exist with the score, we have seen it so might then do it so often

in the past. Attacking at speed was Eoin McHugh. The ball in the hands

of Jason McGee, still going, goes for the shot. Off the post. Paul

Stirling play and eventually trickles out for a goal kick,

classic Donegal -- ball still in plaster, we didn't see that in the

first half, Antrim were able to get in behind him. That is what Donegal

are all about, a great counterattack. Brendan McCole comes

in. Sean McVeigh is taking off. There is Sean. He played from

London, the Munden team that beat Fermanagh in the Championship just a

few years ago. -- the London team. Another substitution for Donegal.

That man coming on, Martin Michael O'Neill. Two years ago during the

first game of the he played against Tyrone, scored a goal that they --

Martin McElhinney. Ciaran Thompson is a name we haven't heard an awful

lot of the past few years. A massive impact today. Yes, he has, the whole

seasons so far in Division 1, a fantastic league campaign. Today you

can see his quality, what a left footed house. His brother Anthony

has been a mainstay of the Donegal team. -- what a quality. Had a ride

on the charge, Jack Dowling unable to bundle up the ball. For the

briefest of seconds that goal needed Antrim to moving, were not able to

do it. Donegal win back the ball, on the attack again. Referee says play

on. Ryan McHugh. Still going, tries to pass it inside, given away.

Donegal win it back. Patrick McBrearty. Left foot from a long way

out. And it is wide. Paddy McBrearty is hoping to play in his seventh

gold -- Ulster final this year. He is only 23 years of age. Yellow card

for keirin ward. Back to the McBrearty Boyd, 23 years of age and

hoping to make a seventh Ulster final -- Caolan Ward. I had to check

that, it seemed absurd. It is hard to believe he is only 23 years of

age. He has been around for such a long period of time and integral to

the success Donegal have had in that period. How many more years will he

be via? What a player. Donegal winning the breaking ball, highball,

good defending from Antrim. The degree Patrick Gallagher. Whether

they are written so much on defence or attacking from defence, Patrick

Gallagher has been impressive today. Antrim have had a number of players

holding their own, some defenders really came out, they have not been

able to convert early on, come bursting opportunities, it really

died off after the first 15 minutes, struggling for scores big-time.

Paddy McBride tries to bring it in front of Mark Sweeney. Coming just a

little bit too much. It goes wide -- hurling.

We already have too much yous on the field, we're about to get a third,

Mark McHugh. When with All-Ireland. -- window with All-Ireland. --

winner. Hoping to get back on the field. Frank McGlynn. Finds

McBrearty out in front of his man. Strong attack from McBrearty. You

can hear the ball snap off his gloves. Still going, look at the

return pass, fast hands. I challenge, the referee says play on

coming the shot from distance, as the direction but not strength. The

referee brings it back for the initial foul, it is going to be a

three in so much trouble free inside the 45. That is -- a free inside the

45. He sprinted towards goal, that is a trait that not many forwards

have today. Most pass it back. McBrearty is so direct, that is why

we rate him so highly. Caolan Ward is making way. Again, high

performance from Ward, attacking at every single opportunity. We want to

see more of him in the future. It was him who made the intercept as

Jack Dowling was an golf Antrim a couple of minutes ago. He tracked

back, a clean tackle to save a goal opportunity -- on goal for Antrim.

McBrearty going for this one, a free.

Takes a couple of bounces, and just steadies himself.

McBrearty, curls it with the left, straight over the cost of my

crossbar. -- by crossbar. Getting off the mark in the Ulster

Championship, a nice free for him, struck it well, lovely left footed

free kicks we have been treated to today with CJ McGourty.

Intercepted, Jason McGee. Donegal's midfield has been impressive this

afternoon. Paddy McGrath takes it. Attacking at speed, needs troops

left and right. One of them is McHugh. Ryan McHugh passing it

inside. Paddy McGrath! Who started the move, finishes it into the back

of the net. And Donegal, whether it is an attack, midfield or defence,

they are absolutely sensational. They were, and Michael Murphy with a

defence splitting crossfield pass to stop bad. Some great fast hands.

McHugh finding it. But Paddy McGrath, he rode the tackle from the

keeper well. He just got the foot onto the ball, a lovely smile on his

face, she is chuffed with that goal, lovely unselfish play, by degree

from McHugh. It cut the move wide open and it freed up so many

players. Fantastic goal by Donegal. Thomas McCann goes for the school,

the angle acute, even for a right footed attack at -- Thomas McCann

goes for the score. Just didn't have the direction. Rory Gallagher, go

get the subcommittee shouts. -- go get the Saab, he shouts. Passes it

backwards. Lacie has been quiet since being introduced as a

second-half substitute, but he has found the time. It is going to be a

free in yet again. Karl Lacey always has nice jazzy but is. Yes, he does.

-- jazzy boots. He is a nice player to watch and he looks after himself

as well. You can see he is a fantastic athlete. It will be

interesting to see his impact, how content he will be with potentially

having a bit part in this Donegal team. He will want to play as many

minutes as he can. How you can adapt to what the Gallagher is asking him

to do off the bench could be crucial. Is that the key point in

how we see? He said whether I play seven minutes or one minute or no

minute at all, I'm still feeling good enough I want to give everybody

a goal -- Karl Lacey. The easiest thing for those 32-year-old would be

to say, I have been there and done it. The guys who want to be there,

the team, the young guys to aspire to. Retallick will be delighted to

have him. Great kick from Paddy McBride and eat -- Rory Gallagher

will be delighted. Coming on is 23, Michael Langan. Getting to know

Paddy McBride. Frank McGlynn has made way.

Into the middle of the field. Yet again chasing midi. -- McGee. Paddy

McBride in needs help, find it. Karl Lacey, will he be tempted to go for

a score? Left foot, goes for it. The game as a contest is over right now.

In reality it has been for a while. This is veering an exhibition stuff

for Donegal. On the left foot as well. Quick hands, unselfish play,

the man and a better position. McGlynn on the left foot and now

Karl Lacey, they are bonus was the Donegal. Fantastic scores that they

are, we have been treated to some very fine point taking today. A 23

point total, it is impressive. From Ari Gallagher's team. -- Ruairi

Gallagher. One of the Antrim players has lost his boot. I think that's

Conor Small. A little bit of argy-bargy going on between McGee in

there. Paddy Nealon, the referee, has

little this is used to be made today. Yes, he has. It is a game

that has been easy enough to referee. Michael Murphy gets a

yellow card. He was putting in a shift offensively for his side right

to the end. A bit overzealous with the tackling there. It just shows

you how hungry he still is. I'm surprised to see him out there after

that heavy head he took, but he wants to be out there, leading the

team every minute of the day. Paddy Muir and has had a good job.

Potentially a few free kicks he gave in early that could have been let go

-- the referee had a good job. But he has been consistent and had a

good game. Kevin O'Boyle. Fiennes Jack Dowling, Mark Sweeney. He needs

help, he has found it, Tomas McCann. High challenge from McGee.

The referee blows the whistle. Tomas McCann will bounce up from that.

Yellow card shown. To Neil McGee. The full-back.

CJ McGourty strikes the free. Knocks it over the bar. Eight points to

Antrim. 216 for Donegal. The Donegal supporters will be saying now, OK,

the next thing the Ulster semifinal. It's going to be either Tyrone or

Derry. And one might suspect that most people will either think that

is going to be two, what a semifinal that could be. I stress, could. Of

course, Derry have it within them to beat Tyrone. But you would expect it

is going to be a big semifinal no matter what, a big step up from

Donegal from here. Rory Gallagher will know that. And removed down

into division four. Lovely pass. They will face a lot bigger test

than this. It is great way to start, especially in the second half. A

nice ball from McHugh, the bounce deceived Hugh McFadden and Antrim,

we have it. Nugent. -- Nugent. McBride trying to take on this

Donegal defence. Good plate from the wingback, he has found it. CJ

McGourty, outside of the brood. Caught by the keeper. -- outside of

the boot. Karl Lacey take the challenge, looks for help and finds

it. Well, it has been a disappointing

day for the Antrim management. They will have to regroup and go the way

of the qualifiers. As for the goal, and this man in possession of the

ball, Hugh McFadden, they are going into the Ulster semifinals. McFadden

has been very impressive. He doesn't go for a score, he passes to Michael

Langan. And Michael Langan gets a score.

Giggled a lot of Donegal's scores have been coming off this right-hand

side, great strength and determination by McFadden. Fantastic

kick as well. With that breeze by Lang, he would be happy to get on

the scoresheet. Unselfish play in the forward line. Donegal have given

the ball to the man with the appropriate possession to take the

score, that is why they scored so heavily on the second half. Donegal

when the breaking ball, not the first time we have said that this

afternoon. -- win the breaking ball. Mark McHugh just switches the play,

Donegal on the attack. Jason McGee. Four additional minutes will be

added at the end of this match. Donegal, well, they look as if they

could play all day. Another point. 218-8 points. The school is just

blowing out now. Donegal is putting their dominance on the game -- by

score. A nice point with the breeze, Keidan that hands. Had enough on it

to make it over the crossbar -- ticking. They will regroup, it will

be a long month for them to find out who they get in the qualifiers. It

is going to be difficult to see how they're going to be able to put

together a run but you have to say they held their road to the first

half of this game today. -- their own. Although it chance, a yard wide

of the post, they conceded the first golden Brennan, that ended the game

as a contest. -- the first goal to Brennan. Paddy McBride on the

attack. He has been fouled, the referee says comeback. Paddy McBride

is saying, why can you not say play advantage, play on? Shows his

frustration. The Roscommon man says no, brings it back for the free. And

it is game to be a free in for Antrim. CJ McGourty the man who will

take it. Well, they have had big injuries coming into this game. Both

Murray brothers, they lost their captain from last year, Kevin

leglock. We talked about the manner having a smaller pool of players

than the bigger teams -- Fermanagh. They are such quality players.

Losing multiple quality players for a relatively small team who are, you

know, up against the odds as it is, you can't afford to do it. And

that's why it's hard when the opposition are bringing on quality

of the bench and you're just hanging in there. Having sought Fermanagh

last night and again and tonight, they need everyone fit and firing,

and unfortunately they haven't had that luxury. When these sides played

in 2009, Donegal have won three Ulster championships in All-Ireland,

they have gone one way. Antrim have struggled, but they were impressive

at times in the first half. A transfer Paddy McBride in! -- Paddy

McGrath do. They are finishing with class! It is almost too easy. A

great run inside, the pass was off-loaded, the perfect time. A

change of gear by McBrearty. The finish was fantastic. Antrim have

thrown in the towel now. It is just the way he caught inside the near

post, great finish. One thing on his mind when he got there, it has

really been too easy for Donegal this past 15 or 20 minutes, they

have folded up quite weakly. You give opportunities like that to a

team of talented players like Donegal, you can expect big scores,

318, very impressive in a game of Championship football, particularly

up here in Ulster. They're not finished yet. Another score! Mark

McHugh this time. 319-9 points. People perhaps were fearing the

worst today. But 19 point is massive... It is, that's what we

fear. That is why the Championship has its critics, the former of a

Division 1 team taking on a division 14. But it is what it is. Donegal

have been exceptional, very professional. Last night in the

second half they powered away, their fitness and experience and strength

and depth has shown. It is difficult to Antrim, especially with the

injury that sustained to Fitzpatrick as well. You know, Donegal have

moved so well in the second half. They will be looking forward to that

big semifinal we talked about. But Antrim have lost every game they've

played away this year. That looks as if it is going to continue. I note

the positivity, Martin Clarke, during the first half they were

impressive at times, they did lead. What is the one thing that Antrim

can take for this game Brazil and they look at the first half and how

they got in behind Donegal, and organised defensive unit. They were

able to get shots away from that, scoring around the 21. McGourty and,

can cause problems. Unfortunately they don't have the strength and

numbers to play for 70, 75 minutes of a Championship football. But they

really took the fight to Donegal early. It did come down to the lack

of numbers and the quality of Donegal in the end just to run right

over the top of them. And to be so ruthless. That is what happens in

Championship football against the best teams, there is no letting up,

the competition for places is so hot. Antrim on the attack! They get

a goal! The man that scored it is Conor Small. What a pass by McGourty

outside of the left foot. Antrim have deserved a goal. That wasn't

the first time they threatened the Donegal goal. Just seeing this path

again by McGourty... Beautiful pass. Three or four Donegal defenders who

took out, tidy finish in the top corner. The Donegal defence probably

won't even worried about that, the ball had to go by four players.

Shows the class. But the class belonged to Donegal today,

particularly that man, Rory Gallagher. They go on to the Ulster

semifinal. Handshakes all round. Final score from Ballybofey, it has

finished 319 to one goal and nine. Congratulations, Rory, what was your

overall take? Very pleased to be in the next round. To be honest, it was

a poor game, it never really caught fire so it didn't, you know. It will

stop- start in the second half but we will well in control. In the

first half you had to be patient because Antrim had a decent start.

Luckily there was a strong breeze out there. You wake up with a breeze

and to be fair to CJ he had a couple of late scores, as did Tomas McCann.

It took us a while to settle down, but it was an average performance

for our souls from a long period. Very disappointed in the second-half

performance. It was men against boys. Donegal stayed on in the

second half and put us to the sword. You can have no complaints. I

thought the first half we gave a very good performance, we are having

a lack of luck these days. We lost Matthew Fitzpatrick, who was playing

really well. We had a couple of good goal chances we didn't take the

chances for points. It is a Division 1 team against a division 14. Were

the goals are real highlight given the fact there were three fantastic

team but is and you showed your transition on the strength of their

side? Listen, they were good goals, a lot of good players. The reality

is, we are operating in Division 1 the last number of years, Antrim

were down to division four, we have got very good footballers. The goal

has brightened up the whole day. Job very much done. As for Antrim, a big

job of work to do. That is it, Oisin. A competitive enough first

half, they had goal chances. They started the game positively. For a

team that is coming out of division four, give Donegal a really good run

for the first 15 minutes. The goal chance is obviously something they

have worked on. Two diagonal balls, CJ McGourty, more of a half chance

than an actual chance. This one, Matthew Fitzpatrick. You know,

that's a real chance. That goes into the bottom end of the net. You have

got a completely different game on our hands. Fortunately for Matthew

Fitzpatrick, he had a tough week and ended up going off early. The ball

should have went left, instead it goes right. Fluffed the chance, the

ball in the keeper Boz McCance. The unfortunate thing from Antrim point

of view at that stage is that Donegal then go to counterattack,

right at the top of the field, and stick the ball in the back of the

net. That encapsulated the game, the way the game had gone. You know

what, I suppose from a Donegal point of view, you could see that the

young lads, after this goal, the young lads started to build

confidence. Michael Murphy of course involved, as he was in a lot of

things. Brennan Scarlett the ball in the back of the net. Two minutes

later, Michael kicks the ball over the bar. You could see Donegal,

their spirit raised and the confidence levels. From that point

on, the game was more or less up for the second half. The goals kept

coming. Paddy McGrath and McGrady. McGrath had got a fair fairly torrid

time for the first 15 minutes. They were on the counterattack, Antrim

had no choice but to push out at this stage. The Donegal of old. Yes,

and easy finish from McGrath. Ryan McHugh again involved. Clearing it

up. At this stage, you know, Donegal were running completely rampant.

Karl Lacey come on and had a good cameo, Paddy McGrath and he. --

Paddy McGrath do. He showed his quality, going into

the semifinal, it is nice to have players like that coming off the

bench. To a large extent Rory Gallagher didn't seem that happy

after the game. But I think he would be OK, he knows they will improve

from this point. Paddy McAleer deep was nearly in the starting line-up,

we are not sure whether it was practical or not that he didn't

start -- Patrick McBrearty. You know, sometimes something like that

just works. McBrearty has been tremendous. He is only 23 years of

age. He is still on a steep learning curve, but you have to say that when

he came onto the pitch today he was very impressive. Whether it was

injury or a kick up the prostate and, it worked. What worked and

worked today, that was Michael Murphy. We could have picked out

several incidents, but this stood out early in the second-half. Sean

McVeigh is no small man. He has thrown him off, he then has the

composure to kick the ball over the bar. Michael Murphy is around a long

time, but these young players still look to somebody like Michael

Murphy. He was tremendous today, he is strong and agile. He is able to

kick free kicks and points like that, an inspirational figure.

Banks, Oisin. That is Donegal through to the semifinal, where they

will play either Derry or Tyrone. There you have it, Derry taking on

Tyrone next Sunday, the 28th of May, across BBC Sport NI. And a nudge,

also the way of the mighty man, Pienaar. BBC Sport NI brings you a

unique insight. That is tomorrow evening, 10:40pm on BBC One. And

that is just about it from Ballybofey, where it has been very

much Donegal's day. We will do it all again next Sunday. I hope that

you can join me, Oisin, Paddy, Mark McHugh, the team, that is. But for

now, from me, it has been Donegal's day, Donegal march on. From everyone

in ballad -- Ballybofey, goodbye. He's played his last game

in an Ulster jersey,