Cavan ... 1-13 Donegal ... 2-9Cavan, the McKenna Cup holders, Cavan got the defence of their title off to a winning start and in the process spoiled Brian McEniff's comeback at Fr Tierney Park, Ballyshannon, yesterday.

All-Ireland winning manager McEniff, back in the Donegal hot-seat for a fifth term, saw his side pipped at the post in a closely fought and highly-entertaining encounter that had the 800 or so crowd on their toes.

McEniff could do little but watch as midfielder John Tierney clinched the win with an injury-time point after Cavan had dictated the pace for long periods.

CAVAN: J Reilly; B McGahon, C Hannon, M Keever; P Galligan, P Reilly, A Forde; D McCabe (0-7 frees), J Tierney (0-2); P Brady (0-1), L Reilly (0-1), S Maguire; J Reilly (1-2), M Graham, G Pearson. Subs: T Prior for McGahon; K Fannin for Maguire (both at half-time); E King for Graham.

DONEGAL: T Blake; S Carr, E Doherty, N McGinely; D Diver (0-2), R Sweeney, N McBride; J McGuinness (0-3, one free), P McGonagle; C Toye, M Hegarty (0-2), K Rafferty; J Gallagher, A Sweeney (1-2, one free), B McLaughlin (1-0). Subs: J Ruane for McGonagle; J McCafferty for Gallagher; B Roper for Toye.

Referee: D Ward (Monaghan).