The Mourne County prevailed, despite hitting 13 wides. Down led early on but a Dermot Molloy goal gave Donegal a dream start, but they were soon on the backfoot as Down battled back to lead by 0-07 to 1-03 at half-time.

Down continued to impress after the restart and surged five points clear thanks to a Ross McGarry goal and a Mark Haughey point.

Donegal rallied in the closing stages to reduce the gap to two points, but the Mournemen held on for a place in the final against either Armagh or Monaghan in three weeks time. The final will be played on Sunday July 19 in Clones.