Cork and Down relegated – Allianz National League Roundup
Division 1
Cork’s 2016 season went from bad to worse today as they were defeated by rivals Kerry in Tralee today. The Rebels fought back in the second half but a red card for substitute Michael Shields allowed the Kingdom to regain control of the tie. The final score was Kerry 20 points Cork 1-12. Cork were relegated due to Monaghan’s late win over Donegal. An injury-time point from corner-back Colin Walshe saved Monaghan’s Division One status in a competitive game in Castleblaney. Monaghan’s 1-10 just edged Donegal’s 1-9.Six first-half points from Dean Rock saw Dublin claim their seventh win of the Division 1 campaign thanks to a 1-13 to 1-12 scoreline against Roscommon in Carrick-on-Shannon following a last minute venue change. Elsewhere Mayo won a highly competitive game in McHale Park against already relegated Down 1-19 to 1-16 the winning score.
Division 2
Fermanagh avoided relegation with a 12 point to 1-9 draw against Tyrone at Brewster Park. Victory for Cavan sees the Northerners promoted to Division 1. Cavan saw off the challenge of Galway winning 1-16 to 1-12.Armagh were applauded off the pitch by their supporters in the Athletic Grounds despite suffering relegation to Division 3 of the Allianz League. Their win of 1-18 to 15 points over Derry meant little as The Glensmen will play Division 3 football next spring. Meath enjoyed an away victory today beating Laois 18 points to 1-9 in Portlaoise.
Division 3
Clare booked their place in Division 2 football next season alongside Kildare. Kildare had already booked a place in the final, and they recorded a 22 points to 1-14 win over Clare at St Conleth’s Park. Results elsewhere ensured the Banner County also advance to a 23rd April final at Croke Park. Newly promoted Offaly sealed third place in Division 3 with a 1-16 to 13 point win over already relegated Limerick in Newcastlewest. Despite the inclement weather Longford claimed a 13 points to 11 points victory over Westmeath at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park. Tipperary finished the League well earning a 3-09 to 0-18 draw with Sligo at Markievicz Park.
Division 4
Antrim maintained their unbeaten run in Division 4 with a 12 points to 1-9 draw against Louth in Belfast. The two sides will meet again in the League final decider on April 23rd but both have secured positions in Division 3 next season.Wexford led throughout to claim a 2-17 to 2-06 win over neighbours Carlow at Innovate Wexford Park. Despite failing to score for the last 27 minutes of the match Wicklow had done enough to record a 2-10 to 1-10 win over London. Yesterday Waterford claimed their first win at home of 2016 with a narrow 10 points to 1-6 victory over Leitrim.
Listed below are the National League semi-final and final’s that will take place in the coming weeks:
DIVISION 1
Saturday April 9th Dublin vs Donegal
Sunday April 10th Kerry vs Roscommon
Final to take place on Sunday April 24th.
DIVISION 2
Sunday April 24th Tyrone vs Cavan
DIVISION 3
Saturday April 23rd Kildare vs Clare
DIVISION 4
Saturday April 23rd Antrim vs Louth
All of the above games will go to extra time if it is required.