Brian McIver 's Donegal side came alive in the second half

Down led 1-06 to 0-03 at half-time with Liam Doyle netting a 28th minute goal for the Mourne men.

But Christy Toye and Michael Caulfield showed great accuracy on the restart with three points apiece to help Donegal claw back the deficit.

It was a great spell midway through the second half which saw Donegal score six unanswered points that proved crucial.

Results
Section A
UUJ 0-14 1-08 Cavan
Fermanagh 1-07 0-12 Armagh

Section B
Derry 2-14 0-05 Queen's
Antrim 1-10 1-15 Monaghan

Section C
St Mary's 1-09 4-09 Tyrone
Down 1-07 0-11 Donegal