National Hurling League Division 1
Dublin 0-14 Galway 2-11 A late, late show from Galway saw the Tribesmen move to the top of Division 1 at the expense of Dublin who fell to their first defeat of the league season. Despite an early period of dominance from the Dubs, Galway managed to go into the break just a point behind their hosts, staying in touch throughout the second half until Eanna Ryan’s 73rd-minute goal stole victory at the death.
Kilkenny 2-16 Waterford 1-13 Two controversial goals proved decisive at Nowlan Park yesterday as Kilkenny flattered to deceive in their Division 1 victory over the Deise. Speaking after the game, Waterford selector Pauric Fanning suggested that both of the Cats’ goals came from inside the square, claiming that the umpire behind the Waterford goal was aware of the infringement but chose not to alert the referee.
Cork 1-14 Tipperary 1-14 In combination with other results, a draw at Pairc Ui Chaoimh yesterday was enough to ensure top-flight survival for both Cork and Tipperary. An injury-time 65′ from Cork’s John Gardiner was enough to rescue a point for the Rebels, a fair outcome on the balance of the afternoon’s toil.
Offaly 2-15 Wexford 1-16 Wexford will need to cause a massive upset if they are to remain in Division 1 after losing yesterday’s pivotal relegation battle against Offaly in Tullamore. Shane Dooley scored 1-10 for the hosts on the day, the most important coming in injury time as he slotted a 100-metre free to give Offaly a single-point victory.
National Hurling League Division 2
Carlow 1-15 Limerick 3-18 Limerick made it five wins from five at Dr Cullen Park yesterday, comfortably seeing off Carlow in their Division 2 encounter. Corner-forward Sean Tobin was the standout performer for the Shannonsiders, scoring 2-4 to lead his side to a nine-point victory.
Clare 6-23 Kerry 1-18 Clare were the classier hurling outfit at Cusack Park on Saturday evening, raising the green flag on no fewer than six occasions to leave Kerry with far too much to overcome.
Down 3-15 Laois 3-11 With five minutes to go at McKenna Park yesterday, this game looked to be dead and buried. To their credit, however, Laois scored three goals in quick succession to leave the Down fans perched nervously on the edge of their seats. Had it not been for some wayward shooting earlier in the day, the O’Moores might not have left the North empty-handed.
Westmeath 2-9 Antrim 2-13 Westmeath remain rooted to the bottom of Division 2 after a couple of late red cards spoiled any hopes they may have had of stealing a point. Brendan Murtagh and Brian Smyth were both dismissed inside the final ten minutes, allowing the visitors to pull away to a four-point win.
National Hurling League Division 3A
The big shock of the weekend’s Division 3A action came at the Athletic Grounds yesterday where an already-relegated Armagh side inflicted a first defeat of the season on table-toppers Wicklow, Declan Coulter leading the way for the Orchard with 2-6. Wicklow’s shock defeat opened the door for Derry who recorded a single-point victory over London to draw level with The Garden at the top of the table.
Results: Armagh 5-11 Wicklow 2-14; Derry 1-14 London 1-13; Kildare 3-13 Meath 2-19
National Hurling League Division 3B
It’s still all to play for in Division 3B with just two points separating the top four teams after the most recent round of fixtures. Leaders Mayo maintained their 100% record with a commanding victory over Donegal at McHale Park, while a three-point win for Roscommon against bottom side Monaghan means that the Rossies’ hopes of reaching the divisional final remain very much intact.
Results: Mayo 2-18 Donegal 0-12; Fingal 0-16 Sligo 1-12; Monaghan 1-17 Roscommon 3-14
National Hurling League Division 4
The gulf which has developed in Division 4 was underlined once again this weekend as promotion-chasers Tyrone, South Down and Fermanagh all recorded handy wins over weaker divisional opposition. Justin Kelly turned in a masterful score of 2-9 as Tyrone won by a whopping 27-points in their game against Longford at Healy Park, while some accurate marksmanship from South Down saw them put up another cricket score of 5-32 against Cavan.
Results: Cavan 1-5 South Down 5-32; Leitrim 1-9 Fermanagh 4-19; Tyrone 4-26 Longford 1-8
