Chris Óg Jones added to his side’s advantage to give Cork a three-point advantage, but Donegal finished the first half the stronger of the sides, outscoring their opponents 0-6 to 0-1 with scores via Ciaran Moore (two), Paddy McBrearty (two), Niall O’Donnell and Oisin Gallen, to lead by two points at the short whistle.
That lead quickly evaporated as Sean Powter and Rory Maguire fired in two goals in quick succession to stun Donegal in the opening minutes of the second half.
Cork’s lead grew to five points, but veterans McBrearty – who finished with 0-7 on his 150th inter-county appearance – and Ryan McHugh steadied the ship, before scores from Gallen, Caolan McGonagle and Aaron Doherty had the game level at the death.
However, it was to be Cork’s day, and they composed themselves and grabbed the all-important points through Sherlock and O’Callaghan to hold on for a dramatic win.
