Monaghan 1-15 Donegal 1-14: Monaghan were narrow one point winners over Donegal in the opening game of the Ulster SHC at Clones this afternoon.
Substitute Pat O'Connor scored the stoppage winner to edge a thrilling end to a match that could have gone either way.
Monaghan struck the first blow through Michael Greaney when he found the net in the fifth minute. Eanna MacSuibhne quickly found his range and Stephen Lambe was ever reliable with the frees.
But just when Donegal looked as though they might be totally outplayed they notched up crucial breakaway points through Kevin Campbell, Niall Campbell and Barry Friel.
By the break Monaghan were still in the ascendancy as they led 1-9 to 0-6.
In the second period Donegal needed some inspiration if they were to get back in the game and it came from Campbell, who fired a 20-metre free into the net 10 minutes from the end.
Further points came for Donegal through Campbell, Niall Campbell before Sean McVeigh's eventually brought both sides level in the final minute.
Just when the game looked certain to go to extra time, up stepped O'Connor to secure the narrow win for Monaghan.