Donegal win relegation play-off to stay in All-Ireland SFC
Donegal will remain in the All-Ireland SFC for 2026 after winning the relegation play-off
- Published
Donegal preserved their All-Ireland SFC status for 2026 with a 2-15 to 1-12 victory against Leitrim in their relegation play-off at Kilcoyne Park.
Two first half goals from Suzanne White and Jodie McFadden proved crucial in helping James Daly's side to stay in the competition they have played in since 2011.
They led 2-7 to 1-5 at half-time after an end-to-end first half in the sun in Tubbercurry.
Clare Friel then saved a late penalty from Muireann Devaney in the second half as her side held on for the victory against last year's All-Ireland IFC champions.
The two sides traded scores early on before White fired home a goal for Donegal on nine minutes.
James Daly's side pulled further ahead but Leitrim responded with a goal from Laura O'Dowd.
After Leitrim got back to within two points, McFadden smashed home Donegal's second goal as they led by five at the break.
Donegal registered the first three scores of the second half, but Leitrim then managed four unanswered points to stay in the contest.
Friel's penalty save on 58 minutes from Devaney, who was fouled inside the square, proved crucial as Donegal saw out the win which relegated Leitrim to the All-Ireland Intermediate series for 2026.