Connacht grab NFL monopoly

After a day of close calls and the odd resurrection, the final round of the National Football League produced its four semi-finalists - and all of them are from Connacht. Next weekend they will meet to decide who will play off for the league title, and the other three provinces can only watch in envy.

Galway and Mayo were already in pole position, and, with their six-point win over Kerry in Tuam, Galway topped Division 1A.

Mayo could afford to draw with Cavan yesterday and still qualify. They topped Division 1B and will now play Roscommon - runners up in Division 1A thanks to the unfortunate plight of Tyrone, who surrendered their place because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Sligo survived a scare against Clare and as Division 1B runners-up take on Galway. Venues for both games will be fixed later today.

There was bad news for Kerry, Meath and Laois, who were relegated. Either Donegal or Louth will join them.