Donegal raced into a seven point lead after converting five points without reply in the early stages. Dessie Ward and Conor McCarthy tried their best to get the farney back into the contest with some well taken scores.
However, a Donegal two-pointer on the 28th minute took the wind out of the sails of Gabriel Bannigan’s side.
Donegal’s dominance showed as they went into the interval with a six point advantage, leading 14 points to eight.
Oisin Gallen opened the second-half scoring; before Conor McCarthy put over a peach of a two pointer to bring Monaghan within five points.
Michael Bannigan and Jack McCarron scored a two-pointer each to spark a huge fightback from the Monaghan men.
A Ryan McAnespie point along with yet another two-pointer left Monaghan back within two in the closing stages.
As Monaghan continued to push for the equaliser, the referee blew the final whistle on the hooter, despite the ball still being in play and in Monaghan’s possession.
A decision that left the Monaghan fans and players furious at full time as the score-line was recorded Donegal 0-23 Monaghan 0-21.
Donegal now progress to face Down in the Ulster semi-final next week.
