Seven points from 2021 All Star Geraldine McLaughlin gave the Donegal ladies a hard fought win over Waterford in the opening round of the TG4 All Ireland championship at a blustery Birr (0-10 to 1-5).
The Division 1 runners-up led by six points early in the second half but had to hold off a late rally from a determined Déise side. A goal from sub Aisling Mullaney left just one between them entering the closing stages before Yvonne Bonner sealed victory for Maxi Curran's charges with a fine score from 40 metres.
Katie O'Hanlon was given her championship debut between the posts for Waterford after impressing in recent challenge games.
On an afternoon of sunshine and showers, Hannah Power and Geraldine McLaughlin (free) traded early points. Donegal forward Blathanid McLaughlin was stretchered off in the sixth minute. Play was stopped for five minutes.
Lauren McGregor edged Waterford back in front as the Déise blanket defence frustrated their opponents. Donegal full back Evelyn McGinley was sin binned on 14 minutes for a trip on Annie Fitzgerald.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Katy Herron levelled matters at two points apiece. Geraldine McLaughlin's second free put Donegal ahead for the first time on 22 minutes. The Ulster runners-up had a goal chance off Waterford's short kickout but Megan Dunford cut out the danger.
Curran's side led 3-2 after a cagey opening half. Waterford absorbed three minutes of Donegal pressure before Laura Mulcahy made a big catch on the edge of the square.
McLaughlin tapped over another free three minutes into the second period. Waterford were then awarded a penalty as Katie Murray was pulled back after her sister Emma sent her through on goal. Kellyann Hogan fired the spot kick right and wide however.
At the other end, Katie O'Hanlon saved a low shot from McLaughlin. The All Star attacker was fouled earlier in the move and converted her fourth free of the evening.
She added two more before sub Susanne White split the posts from play to make it 8-2. Chloe Fennell then kicked Waterford's first point in 33 minutes. Pat Sullivan made a double substitution and it worked straight away as Aisling Mullaney slipped the ball to the bottom corner (0-8 to 1-3).
McLaughlin nearly caught out Katie O'Hanlon with a lob but her shot landed over the bar instead of under. Points from Kate McGrath and Brid McMaugh left just one between them with nine minutes left. Hogan missed a chance to equalise from a free. Bonner nailed a point from 40 metres with six minutes left to get Donegal across the line after a bruising battle.
Scorers for Donegal: G McLaughlin 0-7 (6fs), Y Bonner, S White, K Herron 0-1 each.
Scorers for Waterford: A Mullaney 1-0, B McMaugh, Kate McGrath, C Fennell, L McGregor, H Power 0-1 each.
Donegal: R McCafferty; N Carr, E McGinley, T Kennedy; S Twohig, Nicole McLaughlin, N Boyle; K Herron, D Foley; B McLaughlin, Niamh McLaughlin, A Boyle Carr; N Hegarty, Y Bonner, G McLaughlin.
Subs: S McFadden for B McLaughlin (6), S White for Carr (HT), N Carr for Boyle (45), T Hegarty for Boyle Carr (57).
Waterford: K O'Hanlon; M Dunford, L Mulcahy, A Murray; A O'Neill, E Murray, H Power; Karen McGrath, K Murray; L McGregor, Kate McGrath, M Wall; K Hogan, C Fennell, A Fitzgerald.
Subs: A Wall for Fitzgerald (HT), A Mullaney for McGregor (42), B McMaugh for M Wall (42), R Casey for Fennell (52), C McGrath for Hogan (56).
Referee: S Mulvihill (Kerry)
