Donegal have returned to winning ways following a tense and physical encounter against Laois this evening in Carrick-on-Shannon winning on a scoreline of 0-14 to 0-08. 
Laois adopted a very defensive system and stifled the Donegal forward line for long periods in the first half but Donegal remained patient and went in four to the good at half-time leading on a scoreline of 0-05 to 0-01.
The second half followed a similar pattern to that of the first period with Laois packing their defence and making it difficult for Donegal to get scores on the board.
However Donegal were clever in possession and their shot selection was excellent with Colm McFadden and Patrick McBrearty leading the way with some wonderful scores from difficult angles.
Donegal at one stage led 0-10 to 0-05 but Laois rallied and scored 3 on the trot to make it a two point game with 5 minutes left to play.
But Donegal showed why their All-Ireland champions as they turned the screw to rally off four points on the bounce to win by 6 points.
It was a great response from Donegal following last weekend’s heartbreak in Clones.
They showed great character throughout the game in what was a hugely difficult and tricky game especially given the way Laois set up, thankfully the class and composure of Donegal shone through and they have now booked their place in the last 8.
One thing is for sure none of the provincial winners will want to face Donegal as they return to Croke Park next weekend for the quarter finals.
Well done to Jim McGuinness and the whole squad.