Donegal defeat All-Ireland champions Kerry

Donegal 1-22 Kerry 1-18

Donegal gained revenge for last July’s All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry by earning a four-point victory in round two of the National League at Fr. Tierney Park, Ballyshannon.

The Kingdom travelled north without their talisman David Clifford, while Donegal welcomed 2012 All-Ireland winning captain Michael Murphy back to the fold for his first appearance of 2026.

A first half goal from man of the match Daire Ó Baoill gave the home side a four-point lead at the half time break, with Jim McGuinness’ men ahead 1-9 to 0-8 at the interval.

A two-point right on the turnaround from All-Star midfielder Michael Langan pushed Donegal further in front and they were able to keep their noses ahead.

Kerry did pull back a major of their own through Donagh O’Sullivan but the final score of the day fittingly came from Murphy as Donegal made it two from two, backing up last week’s win over Dublin.

Donegal Scorers: Daire Ó Baoill 1-3, Michael Langan 0-4, Finnbarr Roarty 0-3, Conor O’Donnell 0-3, Hugh McFadden 0-2, Peadar Mogan 0-2, Michael Murphy 0-2, Gavin Mulreany 0-1, Shea Malone 0-1, Oisin Gallen 0-1.

Kerry Scorers: Sean O’Shea 0-11, Tony Brosnan 0-6, Donagh O’Sullivan 1-0, A Heinrich 0-1.