Kate Sullivan scored two goals and set up the third as Dublin had a comprehensive win over Donegal in the All-Ireland Senior Football quarter-finals.

Sullivan scored goals in each half and set substitute Sinead Aherne up for Dublin’s third goal in the 54th minute. They were never under any real pressure in this game and controlled the majority of the game.

Donegal tried hard but just couldn’t compete with Dublin who were clinical. Mick Bohan’s side are chasing their first All-Ireland title since 2020.

Dublin started well with early points from Martha Byrne and Carla Rowe. Niamh Hegarty kicked over a fine point to register Donegal’s first score in the seventh minute.

Jodi Egan replied with an excellent point before the Dubs grabbed a goal in the 17th minute. Rowe did the hard work and then laid the ball off to Byrne and she played it to Sullivan who held off a marker before firing to the net.

Hannah Tyrrell pointed over a free minutes later to extend Dublin’s lead to six points. Suzanne White fired over two frees either side of a good Jennifer Dunne point. Just before half-time Tyrrell scored another free to leave Dublin in control 1-06 to 0-03.

Donegal started the second half with great urgency. Substitute Karen Guthrie was fouled and Hegarty pointed over the free. The Dubs had to defend as Donegal tried to eat into the lead. Guthrie pointed over a free in the 38th minute to cut the gap to four points.

Rowe got Dublin’s first point of the second half in the 41st minute and it stopped Donegal’s momentum. Sullivan hit over a point before substitute Ellen Gribben was on the mark with a lovely score to put seven between the sides in the 44th minute. 

In the 47th minute Sullivan found the back of the net again with a fantastic finish. There were now 10 points between the sides and Dublin were in the ascendency. Tyrrell scored a free and Caoimhe O’Connor was on target as the Dubs extended their lead to 12 points.

Guthrie’s effort was deflected out for a 45 in the 51st minute but Donegal failed to score from it. She did hit over a point minutes later but that was to be Donegal’s last score of the game.

Sullivan set up Aherne in the 54th minute for Dublin’s third goal. Right at the end Lauren Magee fired over a point as Dublin advanced to the final four and a meeting with Cork.