An understrength Donegal eked out a narrow win over Down at Tullylish on Sunday afternoon.
Down 1-10 Donegal 0-15
While it will be much changed for the Ulster Championship opener at Fermanagh in three weeks’ time, this game to mark the official opening of Tullylish’s impressive Pairc na nÓg facility was a useful work-out for Declan Bonner’s men.
Donegal were shy the likes of Michael Murphy, Patrick McBrearty, Michael Langan, Shaun Patton, Jamie Brennan and the recently-injured Oisin Gallen.
With Patton unavailable due to a knock, Paul Durcan started in goal for Donegal with the 2012 All-Ireland winner having re-joined the panel.
Donegal led by six points at one stage in the first half, but they allowed Down come back into it.
Frank McGlynn was denied a goal early in the second half as his shot deflected over the black spot and Down reduced the deficit.
Naomh Conaill’s Eoghan McGettigan, who has been called into the panel recently, played the full game, scoring a point.
Another new recruit, Aaron Doherty from Naomh Columba, came off the bench for the last 20 minutes.
Naomh Colmcille’s Michael Lynch also made his first senior appearance – replacing Paul Durcan in the second half – and the St Johnston man made a superb save to keep out a shot from Ronan Beatty.
Lynch was beaten by James McGuinness and the goal was one that shook Donegal to life as Ciaran Thompson, Ryan McHugh and Leo McLoone were on the scoresheet as Donegal took the win.
Down’s Darren O’Hagan and Donegal’s Hugh McFadden present Caolan Fitzsimmons with a Tullylish 75th anniversary jersey after winning a primary schools competition