The match had been switched from Omagh to Edendork with an earlier 3PM start after a pitch inspection.
In a close competitive encounter – which saw a player from each side sent off – Donegal put in an impressive and brave performance, chasing down the fancied Tyrone side at every opportunity.
Donegal led by a point at half time but faded slightly in the second half, scoring just three points in the second period.
But Jim McGuinness will be happy that his side stood up to one of the best teams in the country and matched them man-for-man for large periods of the game.
Tyrone ran out 1-13 to 0-13 winners, but it was a great performance for Donegal.
Mickey Harte was in the Tyrone dugout on an emotional day for the county.
A minute’s silence in memory of the Tyrone manager’s late daughter Michaela was held before the start.
A Mark Donnelly goal helped Tyrone to a 1-6 to 0-2 lead but Donegal hit eight straight points to lead at the break.
Colm Cavanagh was sent-off just before the break as tempers flared and Donegal’s Neil Gallagher was then dismissed before Tyrone took over.
After Donnelly’s goal helped Tyrone lead by seven, Daniel McLaughlin, Dermot Molloy and Karl Lacey all contributed two points as Donegal moved ahead by the interval. It was a storming comeback.
After the Donegals sending off, parity in playing numbers restored, Tyrone bossed the remainder of the contest.
Dr McKenna Cup:
Armagh 0-12 Antrim 1-12
Derry 1-21 Monaghan 1-12
Down 2-13 St. Mary’s 0-06
Fermanagh 0-15 UUJ 1-12
Tyrone 1-13 Donegal 0-13