Watch: Malone goal the difference as Donegal inflict Dubs with opening league defeat

January 24, 2026

Donegal's Shea Malone celebrates after scoring his side's first goal against Dublin ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Shea Malone’s goal in the run up to half-time proved the difference as Donegal defeated Dublin on a 1-20 to 0-20 scoreline at Croke Park this evening to get off to a winning start in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League.

Having been the better side for large portions of the first-half, the Ulster champions scored their goal through league debutant Shea Malone three minutes before the break to go in with a 1-9 to 0-6 advantage at headquarters.

Con O’Callaghan, Paddy Small and Luke Breathnach shot over scores that cut the deficit down to two for Ger Brennan’s side, but back-to-back Michael Langan two-pointers at the other end made it 1-14 to 0-11 by the 46th minute.

Daire O Baoill added another two-pointer ahead of Langan stretched the Tir Chonaill men’s lead out to eight with 15 minutes left on the clock.

The Dubs did rally in the latter stages, with Small, Sean Bugler, Conor Tyrrell and Breacthnach all registering scores, but Jim McGuinness’s charges saw out the three-point win for two early points in the Division 1 race.


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Watch: Malone goal the difference as Donegal inflict Dubs with opening league defeat