Four Masters clubman Peter Tooher scored two goals as Donegal came from behind to grab a 3-07 to 1-13 draw with Sligo on the first day of the Nicky Rackard Cup.
The clash at Ballyshannon was plunged into some doubt in the days preceding it as the Donegal hurlers were reportedly angered by the GAC's decision to not fix the game for Letterkenny's O’Donnell Park, their traditional hurling venue.
However it went ahead with Sligo moving into a 1-02 to 0-01 lead after 13 minutes' play. Veteran attacker Paul Seevers notched the goal for the westerners.
Seevers ended the game with a personal haul of 1-05 but Donegal, thanks to Tooher's efforts, managed to get back on terms by full time.
The other Group 3A tie saw Fermanagh coast to a 4-15 to 1-16 triumph over their Ulster rivals Tyrone in Irvinestown.
In Ballinamore, Louth outclassed Leitrim for a 3-12 to 0-10 success in Group 3B, while Derry ran out 2-14 to 0-12 winners against Longford in Ballinascreen to get their Group 3C challenge up and running.
