Donegal edge Dublin to open league campaign with a win

Take two, year two of Jim McGuinness at Donegal got underway with a 0-20 to 0-16 win over Dublin at Ballybofey.

Daire O Baoill starred for the Tir Chonaill kicking 0-6 including two, two-pointers, while Oisin Gallen continued his fine form from 2024 with 0-4 of his own.

A crowd of 12,560 piled into the Donegal venue with a real mix of anticipation and expectation amongst those in green and gold.

2012 All-Ireland winning captain Michael Murphy was not named in the matchday panel and did not feature despite returning to the fold.

Jim McGuinness's side played with the aid of a strong breeze across the first half and led 0-11 to 0-6 at half-time, despite kicking seven first half wides.

O Baoill landed all of his six points in the opening half as Dublin went 19 minutes without a score as they struggled with the elements.

McBrearty's introduction helps Donegal see out win

Dublin started the second half brightest, kicking three scores in a row to narrow the gap to one with substitute Luke Breathnach impressing alongside familiar names in Ciaran Kilkenny and Niall Scully.

The Tir Chonaill looked to their bench for inspiration and found it in their captain Patrick McBrearty, as he landed three late scores to ease the pressure and guide his side home with the game firmly in the melting pot.

Dublin failed to really take advantage of the elements as the wind appeared to grow stronger as the game progressed.

The victory means that Jim McGuinness remains unbeaten in the league and championship in Ballybofey as a manager.

Donegal now face a tough run of five games in as many weeks after their opener away at Kerry last weekend was postponed due to Storm Eowyn.

They'll head to the Kingdom next Saturday for the rearrange fixture with an important two points in the bank.

Dublin head to the same venue after a week's break in a fortnight's time.