Donegal reach semi-finals after stunning comeback win against Monaghan

James Cox

Donegal are the first team into the All-Ireland Senior Football semi-finals.

Jim McGuinness' Ulster champions came back from seven points down at half-time to defeat Monaghan by 1-26 to 1-20.

Michael Langan scored Donegal's goal in the 44th minute to help spark their comeback.

McGuinness saod neither he nor his players had any involvement in a statement criticising the scheduling of their All-Ireland Senior Football quarter-final.

The Ulster champions went on to win by six points against Monaghan this afternoon, following a midweek statement from Donegal County Board which had hit out at their six-day turnaround ahead of the fixture.

McGuinness said the panel were focused on the game, and no knowledge about the statement being drafted.

"We had nothing to do with it, nor did we know it was going to be put out in the ether, until I read it myself on the phone. So that's very important from a management point of view and from the players' point of view.

"We were happy to be here today because we got beat against Tyrone and it was always going to be that way, it was going to be three games in three weekends and suck it up, and let's get on with it. Now we'll look forward to a semi-final."