The long-range kicking from Donegal was a sight to behold with five orange flags raised over the 70 minutes to help Jim McGuinness’ men to an opening victory in Division One.

Gavin Mulreany and Michael Langan landed two apiece with Daire O Baoill also on target, while Shea Malone carried his excellent Dr McKenna Cup form into the league, netting a smashing goal that left his side well in control.

Con O’Callaghan shot Dublin into an early lead with three quickfire scores including a two-point effort.

Donegal quickly settled and led 0-5 to 0-3 midway through the half after a pair of two-pointers from goalkeeper Gavin Mulreany.

It was nip and tuck before Jim McGuinness’ side hit 1-3 without reply in a five minute spell to lead 1-9 to 0-6 at the break.

Finbarr Roarty, Conor and Shane O’Donnell landed points before Shea Malone blasted to the net in front of Hill 16 where he watched last year’s All-Ireland final as a supporter.

The Dubs started the second half by outscoring Donegal five points to one in the first five minutes of the second half to cut the gap down to just two points.

Substitute Luke Breathnach put his hand up for a start next week with three quickfire scores before Michael Langan landed a couple of two-point efforts, one from a free and one from play to re-establish the Ulster champion’s dominance.

Jim McGuinness’ men were really starting to find their feet as they kicked their fifth two-pointer of the night through Daire O Baoill to move eight clear.

Just as the game seemed to be slipping away from Dublin, O’Callaghan, Conor Tyrell, Small and Sean Bugler landed scores to cut the gap to four with just 10 left to play.

Langan landed his sixth to end a barren spell of over 10 minutes before Caolan McGonagle landed an inspirational score from centre-back.

Late scores from Breathnach – who kicked five in total – cut the gap to three with 45 seconds left on the clock, but Donegal held firm to seal the points.