CLARE GAINED SOME valuable ground in the Division 3 promotion race, after they secured a comfortable 1-20 to 1-9 win against Longford and other results worked in their favour.
The Banner were hugely impressive over the course of their 11-point win and a draw on the final day against Kildare would secure Division 2 football next year.
Clare started slowly and led by 1-7 to 1-6 at the interval. Michael Quinn’s goal for Longford after six minutes handed them a fine start but David Tubridy found the net for Clare after 18 minutes.
With the strong breeze at their backs in the second-half, the home side went on to outscore Longford by 0-13 to 0-3. In further good news, Podge Collins continued his comeback from a cruciate injury with an introduction off the bench midway through the second period.
Sligo consigned Limerick to relegation with a 3-10 to 1-12 victory in Markievicz Park.
Limerick, who have just one point from their opening six games, paid the price for a poor start. Sligo led by 1-6 to 1-1 thanks to a Kyle Cawley goal, with Darragh Treacy raising the green flag at the far end.
Goals from Brian Egan and Brendan Egan sent Sligo 3-7 to 1-4 clear after 45 minutes and Limerick didn’t offer much in the form of a comeback.
Offaly’s promotion hopes took a huge hit after they fell to a 1-9 to 0-9 defeat to Westmeath. John Heslin was black-carded in the opening quarter and despite playing with the wind, Offaly could only manage a one-point lead at half-time.
Westmeath stayed in touch thanks to Paul Greville’s 27th minute goal and they made full use of the gale after the break.
Ger Egan and Greville kicked important scores for Westmeath in the second-half to seal the win. Offaly finished with 14 men when Niall Smith was black carded and Pat Flanagan had already used his full compliment of substitutes.
Kildare guaranteed their promotion with victory over Tipperary on Saturday night.
Division 3 results:
Clare 1-20 Longford 1-9
Westmeath 1-9 Offaly 0-9
Sligo 3-10 Limerick 1-12
