Dublin, despite looking the better of the two teams, were on the verge of their fourth successive loss, before Liam Rush intervened, scoring a goal with the last-meaningful action of the game.
And the day’s only Division 1B game also ended in a draw thanks to some late drama.
Offaly ultimately tied with Limerick, 4-10 to 2-16, after Shane Dooley’s last-minute penalty.
Heartbreak for Down, as Dublin win: here are Saturday's GAA results in full
IN THE ALLIANZ Football League, late goals from Bryan Cullen and Diarmuid Connolly helped Dublin overcome Donegal.
The Ulster side had matched their opponents for most of the game, but the Dubs’ strong finish ensured they secured the points.
Meanwhile, in the other Division 1 game, Armagh beat Down by a single point.
The game looked set to end all square, before Michael Stevenson’s last-gasp free settled the match.
And the day’s only Division 1B game also ended in a draw thanks to some late drama.
Offaly ultimately tied with Limerick, 4-10 to 2-16, after Shane Dooley’s last-minute penalty.
Here are tonight’s results in full:
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Bryan Cullen Diarmuid Connolly Donegal GAA Dublin GAA GAA Review Round-Up