Goals from full forward Vincent Corey and Tommy Freeman made it a triumphant evening for Monaghan at sun-soaked Healy Park, in front of 15,639 spectators, who created an electrifying atmosphere.

This was a good old-fashioned Ulster derby, often lacking in quality, but never in intensity and passion, and there can be no doubting that McEnaney’s men fully deserved their victory.

They were able to use their more direct style to the maximum effect, while Donegal looked hesitant and uncertain in their build-up and lacked a cutting edge up front.

Corey’s arrival at full forward paid instant dividends. He had the ball in the net in less than three minutes, punching home Tommy Freeman’s delivery after goalkeeper Paul Durcan had hesitated.

Paul Finlay swept over an elegant point, and on five minutes, the Farney men led by 1-1 to 0-1, Rory Kavanagh having shot Donegal into the lead after 15 seconds.

Already a fascinating clash of styles was emerging, Donegal’s close passing game against the more direct long ball approach from Monaghan.

Brendan Devenney converted a 19th minute free, but was otherwise anonymous, Colm Flanagan kept Colm McFadden under wraps, leaving Kavanagh to labour largely unsupported up front.

Two Tommy Freeman strikes and another gem from Finlay made it 1-4 to 0-3 on 25 minutes.

Brian McIver’s men finally got some joy late in the half, with Kevin Cassidy beginning to come into the game at midfield and striking an inspirational point, before McFadden clipped over a 13 metre free to narrow the gap to three points.

And with the Monaghan front line now getting little quality possession, their scoring opportunities were restricted to frees, but Tommy Freeman and Finlay were both off target with fairly straightforward kicks

Monaghan led by 1-5 to 0-5 at the break, but the sides were brought level in sensational fashion three minutes into the second half when Donegal crafted an exquisite goal.

McFadden picked out substitute Christy Toye with a crossfield pass, and he sent Kavanagh in to give Shane Duffy no chance with a rocket to the roof of the net.

But Tommy Freeman drilled home Monaghan’s second goal. Woods again chose the long route towards Corey, who directed the ball into the path of the corner forward, who made no mistake with a clinical finish past Durcan.

Donegal were much more efficient in their finishing, scores from Finlay and substitute Ciaran Hanratty making it 2-8 to 1-5 with 20 minutes of the second half played.

Corey and Freeman made it double scores at 2-10 to 1-5 with five minutes left, and now it was a desperate situation for Donegal

Substitute Kevin McMenamin pulled back a point, but this was Monaghan’s day, and their supporters gave them a massive ovation as they emerged as winners.

Donegal: P Durcan, N McGee, P Campbell, K Lacey, N McCready, B Monaghan, F McGlynn, K Cassidy (0-1), N Gallagher, R Kavanagh (1-2), C Bonner, R Bradley, C McFadden (0-1, free), M Murphy, B Devenney (0-1, free).

Subs: B Dunnion for Campbell (24), C Toye for Bradley (26), M Hegarty for Murphy (51), E McGee (0-1)for McGlynn (59), K McMenamin (0-1) for Devenney (59)

Monaghan: S Duffy, D Mone, C Flanagan, D McArdle, D Freeman, G McQuaid, JP Mone, E Lennon, D Clerkin, P Finlay (0-4, 2 frees), R Woods, C McManus, S Gollogly, V Corey (1-1), T Freeman (1-5 (2 frees).

Subs: C Hanratty (0-1) for Gollogly (h-t), D Hughes for JP Mone (45), P Meegan for McManus (47), H McElroy for D Freeman (66), S Smith (0-1) for Woods (70)

Referee: J McKee (Armagh).