Donegal were quick off the blocks scoring three quick goals to set the scene for a semi final victory.
A goal on two minutes by Cian Mulligan followed by a soft penalty awarded to Donegal’s vice captain Willie Gillespie and converted by Donegal’s top scorer Darragh O Connor. O Connor was on hand again minutes later to put the ball in the Down net for the third time. At the end of the first quarter Donegal were leading 3-1 to 0-1.
To their credit the Down management made a couple of changes and for the remainder of the half dominated mid field and were always a threat with full forward giving Rory Quinn giving Shaun Mc Laughlin a torrid time.
Indeed minutes before the half Down forward hit the post to miss a score that would have changed the complexion of the game.
The second half was again dominated by Down possession but with Jack Scally now martialing the dangerous Quinn the mourne men never seemed likly to get the goals hat would bring them back into the game.
The teams traded four points each before a second goal for Mulligan put an end to proceedings for the day.
While Donegal were the better team onthe day the scoreline does injusdice to a Down team that eliminated Tyrone in the first round.
Donegal will now play the winners of Cavan and Monaghan which is being played in Brewster Park at 11 am today. This will see Donegal defend their Ulster title with the game pencilled for Brewster Park next Thursday evening.
Donegal manager Joe McKelvey said he was pleased with his players efforts but stressed that they have won nothing yet.