Monaghan played some superb football and raced into a 1-09 to no score lead before Donegal scored in the 29th minute through Shannon McGroddy.
Yvonne Connell had hit the goal for Monaghan, and they led by that 1-09 to a single point at the break.
Geraldine McLaughlin pointed for Donegal just after the break but it was all Monaghan in the second period too.
McLaughlin hit a consolation goal towards the end for Donegal.