Down produced a sensational upset to knock Ulster champions Donegal out of the championship with a 3-21 to 1-21 victory in a pulsating quarter-final at O'Donnell Park on Sunday.
The visitors, fired up from the first whistle, led 0-11 to 1-7 at half-time despite a Caolan McGonagle goal for the hosts. Daniel Guinness's goal early in the second half stretched Down's lead to five points, but Donegal fought back to level with 20 minutes remaining. However, Conor Laverty's side finished strongly, with Miceal Rooney scoring two late goals to stun the home crowd.
The victory sets up an Ulster semi-final clash with Armagh for Down, while Donegal must now regroup after seeing their hopes of a third successive provincial title shattered. It was only Donegal's second championship defeat under manager Jim McGuinness, the first since the 2013 final against Monaghan.
Donegal entered the match full of confidence after hammering Kerry in the Division One final, but they were without influential forward Michael Langan due to an ankle injury. Despite a talent-packed lineup, the hosts struggled with accuracy, racking up seven wides in a gripping first half.
Michael Murphy opened the scoring with a two-point free, but Down responded through Odhran Murdock, Daniel Guinness, and Pat Havern. Havern's accurate frees pushed Down ahead, and Adam Crimmins fired over when presented with a goal chance. McGonagle's goal brought Donegal level briefly, but Down regained control and never looked back.