MONAGHAN escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth on Sunday as a Colin Walshe free in injury-time earned them the narrowest of wins against Donegal.
For most of Sunday afternoon, it appeared as if the Farney would be joining Down in Division Two next year, but a late home surge at Clones accompanied by a Kerry victory over Cork condemned the Rebels to the drop on scoring difference.
Mayo ensured their survival with a home win over a Down side with only pride to play for. A late comeback by the Mourne men, which included a Donal O’Hare goal, failed to alter matters in McHale Park. Donegal will join Dublin, Roscommon and Kerry in the Division One semi-finals next weekend despite their loss at St Tiernach’s Park, as they defeated Mayo earlier in their league campaign.
Cavan will join Tyrone in the top flight after their four-point victory over Galway in front of a crowd of more than 6,000 at Breffni Park. A six-point win over Derry couldn’t save Armagh from the drop as Meath defeated Laois to secure a stay of execution in Division Two. Fermanagh’s draw with table-toppers Tyrone at Brewster Park ensured their survival in the second division.
Kildare and Clare will replace the Orchard and O’Moore counties in the second flight after the Lilywhites beat the Banner by 0-22 to 1-14. Limerick and Westmeath are the counties who make the drop to the basement division.
In Division Four, Antrim’s league final dress rehearsal with Louth ended in stalemate at Corrigan Park. A late Tomás McCann point ensured the Saffrons go into the April 23 league final unbeaten.
SUNDAY’S NFL RESULTS
Division One
Kerry 0-20 Cork 1-12, Monaghan 1-10 Donegal 1-9, Mayo 1-19 Down 1-16, Roscommon 1-12 Dublin 1-13
Division Two
Armagh 1-18 Derry 0-15, Cavan 1-16 Galway 1-12, Fermanagh 0-12 Tyrone 1-9, Laois 1-9 Meath 0-18
Division Three
Kildare 0-22 Clare 1-14, Limerick 0-13 Offaly 1-16, Longford 0-13 Westmeath 0-11, Sligo 0-18 Tipperary 3-9
Division Four
Antrim 0-12 Louth 1-9, London 1-10 Wicklow 2-10, Wexford 2-17 Carlow 2-6
