A LAST-MINUTE point from Kevin Cassidy was enough to take Donegal to the All-Ireland semi-finals at the expense of Kildare, with a 1-12 to 0-14 extra-time victory.
This pulsating finish was in contrast with a drab first-half, in which Kildare went in 0-5 to 0-3 ahead.
The second half, however, proved far more entertaining and Kildare began brightly, going an extra point ahead and having a seemingly legitimately goal ruled out, as the officials adjudged it to be a square ball.
Donegal then drew level with points from Ryan Bradley and Dermot Molloy, before Christy Toye’s goal put the Ulster side ahead.
Kildare fought back in the dying stages of the game, with late points from James Kavanagh and Eoghan O’Flaherty bringing the game into extra time.
The Leinster side, buoyed by their comeback, took a 0-13 to 1-08 lead in extra time, with points from Ronan Sweeney, Alan Smith and Gary White.
However, Jim McGuiness’ team stunned their opponents with two quick-fire last-minute points in this enthralling encounter, courtesy of Toye and Cassidy, to ensure their passage into the semi-finals.
