GAA: DONEGAL'S CAPITAL PUNISHMENT; LONDON 3-13 DONEGAL 1-10.

Byline: By GERRY McLAUGHLIN

THIRTEEN-man Donegal hurlers bid for a first appearance at Croke Park for 81 years ended on a sour note before 1,500 fans at O'Donnell Park yesterday.

A courageous second-half comeback was marred by the sending off of Ciaran Dowds and player/manager Darren McDermott, which effectively ended the Tir Chonaill men's hopes.

Dogged Donegal had come within a goal of their Division Two opponents who led 2-10 - 1-10 by the 50th minute after London had coasted to a half-time lead of 2-8 - 0-5.

London hit the home side with two hammer blows in the 15th and 18th minutes through opportunistic goals from Kevin McMullan and Davy Burke.

McMullan whipped on a long ball one-handed to steer the sliothar past Ryan Scanlon.

And it looked bleak when David Burke slammed another loose ball to the net to put London ahead 2-5 - 0-3.

Points from Andrew Wallace kept Tir Chonaill in touch.

But the introduction of Kevin Campbell and the switching of Jamesie Donnelly to midfield sparked a memorable revival.

Campbell slammed over three quick frees and Mickey McCann first-timed Donegal back into the picture with a delightful ground stroke nine minutes into the second half.

Exchanges were becoming frenetic before matters boiled over, culminating in the dismissal of Dowds and McDermott.

A disappointing end to a traumatic week for hurling in Donegal.