Connacht dominate the closing stages of the National Football League after Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Galway won through to next weekend’s semi-finals.
Galway topped Division 1A after this afternoon’s 1-18 to 2-9 defeat of All-Ireland champions Kerry.Kerry were relegated in the process. Galway will play Sligo who qualify despite a 1-9 to 1-7 defeat by Clare.
Roscommon’s push for a semi-final spot appeared to be disappearing until an amazing scoring spree in the closing stages of their crucial match against Donegal.
With two minutes remaining Roscommon trailed by three points but a late goal and a point from Stephen Lohan assured the county of a semi-final meeting with Mayo next weekend.
Mayo topped Division 1B despite drawing with Cavan.
Kerry are relegated from Division 1A and will be joined by either Donegal or Louth who must play a deciding relegation play-off match.
Laois, who beat fellow relegation sufferers Meath by a single point today, finished level on points with Clare but are relegated from Division 1B due to Clare’s better scoring average.
Times and venues for next weekend NFL semi-finals will be decided tomorrow.
In the National Hurling League, Tipperary are through to the semi-finals after a commanding 0-20 to 2-8 victory over arch rivals Cork.The full semi-final line up will be decided next Sunday once the remaining league matches are completed.
National Football League
Division 1A
Offaly P Tyrone P
Donegal 0-11 Roscommon 1-10
Galway 1-18 Kerry 2-09
Division 1B
Fermanagh 0-09 Derry 1-06
Sligo 1-07 Clare 1-09
Meath 1-10 Laois 1-11
Cavan 0-11 Mayo 1-08
Division 2A
Cork 2-15 Leitrim 0-10
Antrim P Westmeath P
Limerick 1-08 Wicklow 0-08
Division 2B
Down P Wexford P
Monaghan 3-12 Tipperary 1-09
Kildare 1-17 Longford 2-12
Carlow 5-13 Waterford 1-10
National Hurling League
Division 1A
Clare 0-21 Offaly 1-13
Dublin 2-11 Limerick 1-24
Meath P Antrim P
Division 1B
Waterford 3-15 Laois 1-06
Tipperary 0-20 Cork 2-08
Derry 1-07 Kilkenny 2-20
Guiness Leinster SHC