Mayo rout Donegal to secure place in Division 1 final

Mayo are into the Allianz League Division 1 final after demolishing Donegal at MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey.

The 11-point defeat almost guarantees that Donegal will drop to the second tier next season after a difficult season for new manager Paddy Carr.

Apart from the opening quarter Mayo always looked like winners with Matthew Ruane impressive at midfield and Aidan O'Shea giving them a real focus at full-forward. They looked much fitter than Donegal and the introduction of Tommy Conroy in the second half gave their big travelling support even more to cheer about.

Mayo remain unbeaten in the league and look the form team in the country at the moment. Donegal will have to pick up the pieces to get ready for the Ulster championship against Down on 23 April.

The opening four points were shared with Eoghan Bán Gallagher and Ciaran Thompson registering for Donegal with those being matched by Matthew Ruane and Colm Reape ('45') for Mayo.

Jack Carney and Aidan O’Shea pushed the visitors two clear by the 11th minute but Ciaran Thompson from a mark and a free had Donegal on terms.

But Mayo began to pull away in the second quarter with Aidan O’Shea claiming two marks while Matthew Ruane hit two from long range. Ryan O’Donoghue and Paddy Durcan also got in on the scoring act. The hosts were finding it difficult to penetrate the Mayo defence but Michael Langan did get a point from play and then one from a free.

But Mayo were getting their scores with more ease and they were full value for the 0-11 to 0-6 half-time advantage.

Kevin McStay's side were almost out of sight within two minutes of the restart when Ryan O’Donoghue sliced through the Donegal defence to find the net. Jordan Flynn added a point while Donegal didn’t register until the