ON a dramatic day of AFL action, there were varying fortunes for Ulster counties, with two promotions, two relegations, one failed promotion bid, and one county's future hanging in the balance.
Donegal, so impressive at times in this campaign looked to have secured top flight status with a home win against Mayo. But an injury time equaliser from Mayo's Kevin McLoughlin broke their hearts.
It is just four years since Derry contested the Division One NFL final, yet following defeat to Sligo, the Oak Leafers have now sunk into the basement division.
On a happier note, Cavan and Fermanagh are celebrating promotions to Divisions One and Two respectively. The Ernesiders scored the win they needed against Longford, while Cavan have made an immediate return to the top division courtesy of a 75th minute winner from Conor Madden against Tipperary.
Down’s future in Division Two is precarious. A hammering at the hands of Meath means that, even should they beat Tipperary in their rearranged game, a win for the Royals against Louth would see the Mournemen relegated.
Monaghan’s one point victory over Dublin was their first ever against the All-Ireland champions at Croke Park, and a first win against the Metropolitans since 2006.
Antrim gave themselves a chance at survival by beating Limerick, but a win for Laois against Carlow means that it is they and the Barrowsiders who are promoted.
The other games involving Ulster counties saw Tyrone beat Kerry, and already promoted Armagh beaten by a point against Wexford.
Results
AFL Division One
Dublin 0-17 Monaghan 2-12; Donegal 0-13 Mayo 0-13; Kildare 0-10 Galway 0-16; Tyrone 1-16 Kerry 0-14
AFL Division Two
Roscommon 0-17 Cork 1-11; Meath 4-14 Down 1-14; Clare 3-12 Louth 1-11; Cavan 0-17 Tipperary 2-10
AFL Division Three
Wexford 0-12 Armagh 1-8; Longford 1-9 Fermanagh 1-10; Sligo 3-11 Derry 2-12; Westmeath 1-14 Offaly 1-20
AFL Division Four
London 1-14 Waterford 1-16; Limerick 0-12 Antrim 1-13; Carlow 0-8 Laois 1-6; Leitrim 2-15 Wicklow 0-10
Hurling
AHL Division One quarter-finals
Wexford 1-23 Galway 0-23; Dublin 0-20 Tipperary 2-25
AHL Division 2A final
Westmeath 2-11 Carlow 2-19
AHL Division 2B relegation play-off
Derry 2-22 Armagh 0-10
Allianz HL Division 3A final
Louth 1-14 Warwickshire 0-20
Allianz HL Division 3B final
Lancashire 1-25 Leitrim 1-18
Ulster U21 Hurling Championship
Antrim 1-23 Down 3-14
Camogie
All-Ireland Senior Camogie Club Championship final
Sarsfield's 1-9 Slaughtneil 1-11
All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Club Championship final
Athenry 1-9 Johnstownbridge 1-8
All-Ireland Club SHC final replay
Cuala 2-17 Na Piarsaigh 1-17
