National Football League Division One

Cork went into yesterday’s game against Armagh in Pairc Ui Chaoimh knowing that a win would be good enough to see them through to a league decider against Dublin. A 2-03 total from substitute Donncha O’Connor was crucial in seeing the Rebels over the line, but Conor Counihan’s men will be forced to do without defender Eoin Cadogan in two weeks time after he was dismissed in the second half.

Another player who also looks likely to sit out the divisional showdown is Dublin’s Alan Brogan who was red-carded in the opening minutes of the Dubs’ draw against Galway in Pearse Stadium. Prior to his dismissal, Brogan got an important early goal which ensured that Dublin preserved their unbeaten record, relegating Galway to Division Two in the process.

Joining them in the second tier next season will be Monaghan who also go down despite beating an already-safe Mayo by two points in Inniskeen. Paul Finlay was the star for the hosts, kicking 11 points on what was ultimately a disappointing day for the home supporters.

Results: Cork 2-15 Armagh 1-12; Monaghan 1-18 Mayo 2-13; Galway 0-15 Dublin 2-09; Kerry 1-13 Down 1-11.

Final: Dublin vs. Cork

Relegated: Monaghan, Galway.

National Football League Division Two

No fewer than five sides entered yesterday’s final round of games with a chance of making the Division Two final in a couple of weeks time.

Sitting atop the table on ten points, Donegal were masters of their own fate, knowing that a win or a draw would seal their place in the promotion decider. As has been the case so often in the past for the northerners, they decided to do things the hard way as a stunning total of 1-10 from MJ Tierney gave Laois a four-point victory in Portlaoise, securing their own place in the final in the process.

Fortunately for Donegal, their point difference was so superior that even defeat by that margin was not enough to knock them out of the top two spots. As a result, Derry’s eight-point hammering of Antrim in Casement Park was in vain from the Oak Leafers’ point of view though it was sufficient to send the hosts down to Division Three.

Joining them will be Sligo who knew that a win against Kildare would be enough to preserve their second-tier status at Meath’s expense. An injury-time point from Eamonn Callaghan gave the Lilywhites victory by the narrowest of margins, meaning that the Royals’ draw against Tyrone was enough to see them safe.

Results: Laois 1-15 Donegal 1-11; Kildare 0-16 Sligo 1-12; Antrim 0-13 Derry 1-18; Meath 0-17 Tyrone 1-14.

Final: Donegal vs. Laois

Relegated: Sligo, Antrim.

National Football League Division Three

Bizarrely, Louth faced the unusual prospect of both promotion and relegation ahead of yesterday’s final round of Division Three games. Ronan Carroll’s 25th-minute goal allowed them to uphold their part of the bargain, giving them a three-point win over Waterford, a result which sent the Dessies down.

The Wee County also have Limerick to thank for their place in the promotion decider. Knowing that only a miracle could save them from relegation, the Shannonsiders notched a four-point win over Wexford, denying their opponents a final berth even as they went down themselves.

That left the final spot open for the victors of the winner-take-all game between Westmeath and Offaly at Cusack Park, Mullingar. Although Westmeath were winning by six points midway through the second period, they had to endure a late rally from the visitors in order to cling on their place in the promotion clincher.

Results: Waterford 0-11 Louth 1-11; Limerick 2-12 Wexford 0-14; Westmeath 0-19 Offaly 2-11; Cavan 0-14 Tipperary 0-06.

Final: Westmeath vs. Louth

Relegated: Limerick, Waterford

National Football League Division Four

With Roscommon already certain of their place in the final, matters in Division Four were slightly simpler than elsewhere. Longford welcomed Carlow to Pearse Park knowing that a win would seal their own place in the top two. Mercifully, they didn’t disappoint as a goal from captain Paul Barden helped them to a comfortable nine-point victory.

Results: Roscommon 1-14 Leitrim 0-15; Wicklow 1-17 Clare 0-20; Fermanagh 0-14 London 0-08; Longford 1-21 Carlow 1-12

Final: Roscommon vs. Longford