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Donegal Today
By the People, for the People
Donegal claim Division One title with dominant win over Kerry
Three second-half goals propel Donegal to a 13-point victory over the All-Ireland champions at Croke Park.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:03pm
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Donegal's decisive victory over Kerry in the league final showcases the team's continued dominance through a fragmented, cubist interpretation of the match action.Donegal TodayDonegal claimed their second-ever National Football League Division One title with a convincing 3-20 to 2-10 victory over Kerry at Croke Park. Three goals in a devastating two-minute spell in the second half from Conor O'Donnell, Michael Murphy and Caolan McGonagle put Jim McGuinness' side in control, as they also registered four two-pointers to seal the win. The result marks Donegal's first top-tier league title since 2007 and only their second-ever.
Why it matters
This victory is a significant achievement for Donegal, who lost to Kerry in last year's All-Ireland final. The win provides some measure of revenge and demonstrates Donegal's continued strength as one of the top Gaelic football teams in the country. It also marks a milestone in the 100-year history of the National Football League finals.
The details
Donegal opted to start 10 players who featured in last year's All-Ireland final defeat to Kerry, while the Kingdom had nine of their own starters from that game. The match was a repeat of the previous year's All-Ireland final, a rarity in the league decider. Donegal took control of the game with a dominant spell in the second half, scoring three goals in two minutes to open up a 16-point lead. Kerry struggled to respond, going 19 minutes without scoring, as Donegal cruised to a comfortable victory.
- The game was played on March 29, 2026 at Croke Park.
- Donegal scored three goals in a two-minute spell in the second half.
The players
Donegal
The Ulster champions who claimed their second-ever National Football League Division One title.
Kerry
The reigning All-Ireland champions who were defeated by Donegal in the league final.
Jim McGuinness
The Donegal manager who led his team to victory.
Paudie Clifford
The Kerry player who was unavailable for the final due to a managed return from injury.
Caolan McColgan
The Donegal player who marked David Clifford in the final.
What’s next
Donegal and Kerry are expected to meet again later in the summer, likely in the All-Ireland championship, where they will have a chance to renew their rivalry.
The takeaway
Donegal's dominant performance in the league final demonstrates their continued status as one of the top Gaelic football teams in the country, and provides them with a confidence boost ahead of a potential championship rematch with Kerry later in the year.
