A FACILE 5-15 to 1-3 win over Sligo at Burt yesterday ensures that Donegal's hurlers will be playing in Division Three for the first time next season. Under the guidance of mentors from Galway and Tipperary, the county, which draws all its players from two neighbouring clubs, Burt and Naomh Mhuire earned maximum points from their six outings during the season.

Two goals from Jo Doherty, and two others from Seamus Doherty and Ronan McLaughlin helped Donegal to a 4-9 to 0-2 lead at half time. Four minutes from the end, Pat Buckley's goal for Sligo was warmly cheered by the record crowd of 300.

In the battle for the minor placings, second placed Tyrone scored a convincing 4-14 to 0-12 victory over third placed Longford at Carrickmore. Due to a shortage of players, Longford's manager Tom Lynam had to step into the breech. While Donegal celebrate, Leitrim remain pointless, rooted to the bottom of the table following a 5-7 to 1-4 defeat at the hands of Monaghan at Carrickon Shannon.