Despite a strong second-half showing, Fermanagh bowed out of the Tailteann Cup following a one point defeat in Croke Park.
Down started the stronger of the sides, racing into a six point lead inside five minutes. Eamon Burns grabbing the opening goal of the game.
A Michael Rooney point followed by a Ronan Burns two pointer coming either side of the goal, as Down broke from the traps.
Conor Love and Darragh McGurn kicked the opening points of the game for Fermanagh before Mattie McDermott found the back of the Down net.
Three Mattie McDermott points along with efforts from Garvan Jones, Conor O’Hanlon and Josh Largo Ellis kept Fermanagh’s tally ticking over. However, it was Down who finished the half stronger.
Odhran Murdock and Patrick Havern both kicked two-pointers for Down before Havern got his side’s second goal of the contest.
At the break Down led by seven points, 2-13 to 1-09. Ultan Kelm opened the scoring in the second-half with the Fermanagh attacker landing a two-pointer.
Conor Love and Ciaran Corrigan both raised the white flag, before Lover got his second two pointer of the half.
Patrick Havern and Callum Rogers were on target for Down as they drew level on 67 minutes. Ronan McCaffrey looked to have sent the game to extra-time.
Ryan McEvoy stepped up for The Mourne County in the closing stages, kicking the winning point and booking Downs place in The Tailteann Cup final.
Down running out one point winners, 2-19 to 1-21.
