Gaelic Games

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Derry did their bit in the hunt for promotion with a 1-20 to 0-19 win over Cavan at Celtic Park, but Tyrone's defeat to Cork meant the Oak Leafers will remain in Division Two next season.

The visitors struck first through Gearoid McKiernan's free and points from Brady and Tiarnan Madden in a rapid start for the Breffni men.

Derry responded empathically with Niall Loughlin equalising and then a point from Lachlan Murray put Oak Leafers ahead after a sharp cut in from the right.

Early chances went astray for both sides, with Paul Cassidy and Niall Loughlin firing wide and Ciaran Brady's goal-bound effort for Cavan blocked by Shea McGuckin.

Derry's forwards began to assert themselves, with Shane McGuigan adding a two-point free and a duo of points, and McGuigan would excel and score 10 points upon the game's conclusion.

Cavan struggled for consistency in the first half, with almost ten minutes of play without a point, but points from Gearoid McKiernan and Oisin Brady kept them within touching distance.

Derry led by three at the interval, though both sides would have rued missed goal opportunities.

The second half began at a more cautious pace, with Madden again firing wide, before Oisin Brady reduced the deficit to two points for the Breffni side.

Derry responded through Niall Loughlin and a series of scores from Ethan Doherty and Murray, with McGuigan converting a 13-metre free as the Oak Leafers went on a six-point unanswered run.

Cavan fought back in patches, with Oisin Brady, Ryan Donohoe and Dara McVeety all scoring consecutive two-pointers from open play to keep their hope alive.

Substitute Sean Young contributed for Derry, while Lynch claimed the final two-pointer of the game from a free.

Gearoid McKiernan fired Cavan's final score, but the result elsewhere had already sealed the league outcomes as Kildare's defeat by Louth ensured the Breffni men's survival.

Derry will now turn their attention to the Ulster Championship, where they are set to host Antrim in the quarter-final, while Cavan travel to Monaghan.

Odhran Crumley
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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Cork will return to Division One for the first time in over a decade after beating Tyrone 0-22 to 0-19 at Healy Park.

John Cleary's side were the deserving victors as they dominated the middle sector with two-point scores from Steven Sherlock and Brian Hurley at vital times sealing their promotion.

Tyrone will remain in Division Two and will need to improve ahead of the championship, as they head to Armagh for the Ulster preliminary round on 12 April.

Cork played against the wind in the first half but still opted to push right up on the Tyrone kick-out.

The Munster side's size and physicality saw them dominate the middle sector and they led 0-8 to 0-3 midway through the first half.

Colm O'Callaghan, Sherlock and Chris Og Jones led the charge, while Ethan Jordan landed all of the home side's scores including a two-point effort.

Malachy O'Rourke's side took control in the final 10 minutes of the half with Darragh Canavan, Mattie Donnelly and Jordan on target, but it was the visitors who led 0-9 to 0-8 at the break.

Despite playing against the breeze, it was Tyrone who continued where they left off in the first half as Donnelly and Canavan dragged their side into a 0-14 to 0-12 lead with 20 to play.

Just as their promotion bid seemed to be slipping away from Cork's grasp, Cleary's outfit rattled off the next five scores, three of those from Sherlock.

McCurry and Donnelly traded scores with Sherlock and substitute Brian Hurley as three separated the teams with five to play.

Cork should have been further ahead only for some off-target shooting. However, it was another poor effort which seemed to seal the victory for Cork when Hurley's shot from two-point range bounced around 10-yards short of the target before somehow being carried over the bar to raise an orange flag.

A late flurry of scores from Ciaran Daly, Donnelly and Conn Kilpatrick left two between the sides with one to play, but Hurley fisted over with the final action to seal the win.

Tyrone: Oisin O'Kane; Ben Cullen, Peter Teague, Cormac Quinn; Joey Clarke, Niall Devlin, Ben McDonnell; Brian Kennedy, Conn Kilpatrick; Seanie O'Donnell, Ronan Cassidy, Darragh Canavan (0-4 1f); Darren McCurry, Matthew Donnelly (0-6), Ethan Jordan (0-5 1 2pt 2f).

Subs: Eoin McElholm for E Jordan (HT), Frank Burns for B McDonnell (49), Ciaran Daly (0-1) for R Cassidy (54), Michael McKernan for B Cullen (55)

Cork: Patrick Doyle; Maurice Shanley, Daniel O'Mahony, Sean Meehan; Brian O'Driscoll, Tommy Walsh (0-1), Luke Fahy (0-1); Colm O'Callaghan (0-3), Ian Maguire (0-1); Paul Walsh, Mark Cronin (0-2 1f), Sean McDonnell (0-2); Chris Og Jones (0-2), Dara Sheedy (0-1), Steven Sherlock (0-5 1 2pt, 2f).

Subs: Brian Hurley (0-4 1 2pt) for D Sheedy (54), Ruairi Deane for P Walsh (62), Rory Maguire for L Fahy (65)

Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan)

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Aimee Mackin returned from injury to help Armagh seal a much needed 1-13 to 2-8 win over Kerry to ease their relegation fears from Division One of the LGFA National League.

Mackin hit 0-4 in the two-point victory that sees the Orchard County move out of the drop zone in a tight meeting at Silverbridge.

The home side led at 1-6 to 1-2 at the break thanks to a free from Mackin and dead-ball scores from Kelly Mallon.

Blaithin Mackin scored Armagh's goal after being set-up by Lauren McConville and while Kerry kept in touch thanks to superb Siofra O'Shea, who scored 2-2, Armagh powered through in the second half to seal the victory.

At the other end of the table, Galway sealed their place in the league final with a six-point win over All-Ireland champions Dublin.

The 3-13 to 1-13 defeat leaves Dublin going into next weekend's final round of fixtures, where they face league leaders Cork, with the chance of being relegated.

The Rebel County saw off Meath 4-8 to 2-12 to book their place in the league final thanks to two goals from Katie Quirke and a goal a piece from Aine Terry O'Sullivan and Aimme Corocan.

LGFA National League results

Division One

Cork 4-8 Meath 2-12 Meath

Armagh 1-13 Kerry 2-8

Waterford 2-10 Kildare 1-13

Galway 3-13 Dublin 1-13

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Antrim avoided relegation from Division 1B of the National Hurling League despite a dramatic last-gasp defeat at the hands of Ulster derby rivals Down at Pairc Esler.

Donal Hughes was the matchwinner for the Mournemen as his goal in the final minute of the game secured a 3-22 to 3-20 success.

Despite the victory, Down finish bottom of the division and are relegated to Division 2, along with Carlow, who went down 0-34 to 2-14 to Dublin at Dr Parnell Park.

Antrim won only one of their six league games but retain their status on points difference and will face Down again in the Joe McDonagh Cup in four weeks' time.

Fortunes ebbed to an from in a pulsating game on Saturday as the sides traded scores throughout a close contest, with the outcome in doubt right until the end.

Shea Pucci scored two of Down's three goals, with Ruairi Donaghy doing likewise for the Saffrons.

Pucci found the net twice in the opening quarter of the contest but Donaghy's first goal reduced his side's deficit to five points at 2-7 to 1-5.

The same margin prevailed at the interval as the hosts went in 2-11 to 1-9 to the good despite five first-half points from Seaan Elliott.

The visitors began the second half strongly and Donaghy's second goal brought Davy Fitzgerald's side to within one of their opponents.

Elliott scored Antrim's goal and the see-saw encounter continued until the away side managed to nudge ahead 3-20 to 2-22 in added time thanks to a James McNaughton point.

Hughes had the final say however to clinch victory for his side when he cut in from a tight angle and fired into the net.

Pucci top-scored for Down with 2-01, with Pearse Og McCrickard (0-5), Pearse Smyth (0-4), Tom McGrattan (0-4) andTom Prenter (0-3) also making significant contributions for Ronan Sheehan's side.

Elliott scored 1-8 in total for for Antrim and Paul Boyle ended the match with 0-5.

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Antrim hurling legend Neil McManus says Saturday's National Hurling League Division 1B game against Down at Pairc Esler is "one of the most important games that the county have faced for quite some time".

The Saffrons are fighting possible relegation after winning just one of their five matches in the division to date.

Davy Fitzgerald's side sit level on points with Carlow, but with a marginally superior goal difference as the two counties try to avoid joining already-relegated Down in being demoted to Division Two.

"It's a pivotal clash from an Antrim point of view, it couldn't really be any more important, trying to secure our status in Division 1B of the National League," McManus told BBC Sport NI's Mark Sidebottom ahead of the weekend encounter at Newry.

"There has been a huge shift in personnel this season, we are without some of the players fans have come to expect to see every time they go to an Antrim game.

"Hopefully we will get some of those back next season but this season it's been an opportunity so far to blood a lot of new players, give them game time, but it's been a chastening experience at times as well."

The Ulster rivals will face each other again in the Joe McDonagh Cup next month, Antrim competing in that competition for the first time since 2022 after suffering relegation from the Leinster SHC for 2026.

"This will be Down's opportunity for really competitive action before the start of the McDonagh Cup, which of course is Antrim against Down in that fixture too in four weeks' time, so nobody will want to come out second best on Saturday," added McManus.

It is anticipated that the McDonagh Cup meeting between the two counties should be played at Corrigan Park next month after essential work is completed at the west Belfast ground.

"Corrigan Park is Antrim's home now. It's really become the focal point of Antrim GAA since Casement Park has become redundant and it's very important that your home games give you advantage over the opposition," reflected McManus.

"Whenever we have been changing pitches on any given week it takes away that advantage and the performances have leant to that.

"Our best performances over the last half dozen years have all been at Corrigan Park so it's going to be very important for the Joe McDonagh campaign that the games are played there."

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It is a huge weekend for Donegal and Armagh at either end of the Division One table.

Jim McGuinness' side are one of four teams vying to get into the final alongside Kerry, Mayo and Roscommon.

Donegal are coming off a 2-20 to 0-20 defeat by the Rossies despite producing an excellent second-half comeback at Dr Hyde Park.

They are level on nine points with the Kingdom but top the table thanks to their head-to-head record.

Wins for Donegal and Kerry at already-relegated Monaghan and Armagh respectively on Sunday will be enough to seal a final spot for both teams with Mayo and Roscommon, who face each other, hoping to take advantage of any slip-ups.

At the other end of the table Kieran McGeeney's side know a win over the Kingdom in a repeat of last year's All-Ireland quarter-final will guarantee their survival.

Armagh are level on points with Dublin but have a better head-to-head record over the Sky Blues, who face Galway in Salthill.

Padraic Joyce's side may be two points better off in the table but would be in trouble if Dublin beat them by four points and the Orchard County also secure victory in the final league game.

Fixtures (all Sunday, 15:30 GMT)

Armagh v Kerry - watch live on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & app

Galway v Dublin

Mayo v Roscommon

Monaghan v Donegal.

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Derry will be looking to take advantage of any slip-ups from Meath or Cork as they bid to keep their Division One promotion push alive.

Ciaran Meenagh's side lie in fourth place in the Division Two table, two points behind the joint-leaders going into Sunday's final league games.

The Oak Leafers suffered a blow last weekend with a 1-19 to 0-18 defeat by third-placed Louth.

All is not lost for Derry, however, as their 40-point advantage over the Rebels puts them in a strong position if they can secure victory over Cavan.

While Tyrone can not go up to Division One they technically still can go down if they lose to Cork and Kildare win at home to Louth.

The Lilywhites will go the same way as already-relegated Offaly if they fail to win in Newbridge against promotion-chasing Louth.

Fixtures (Sunday, 13:15 GMT)

Derry v Cavan

Kildare v Louth

Offaly v Meath

Tyrone v Cork

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With promotion already secured, Down will be looking to wrap up their league campaign with victory over Laois to maintain their 100% record.

The Mournemen have been flawless so far and secured an immediate return to Division Two thanks to a 2-25 to 0-21 win over Sligo at Markievicz Park last Sunday.

The winners of Wexford v Westmeath will join them with a draw also enough to secure promotion for the visitors.

It's still all to play for at the bottom of the table with basement club Fermanagh hoping they can pull off a miracle to stave off relegation.

Declan Bonner's side, who sit bottom on two points, face fellow strugglers Limerick aiming for a second league win and a three-way tie on four points if Sligo fail to beat Clare.

Laois also face a sweat if they lose, Sligo draw and Limerick win, but it would take a big points swing to send them down.

Fixtures (Sunday, 14:00 GMT)

Down v Laois

Limerick v Fermanagh

Sligo v Clare

Wexford v Westmeath.

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It is all to play for in Division Four with no fewer than seven teams separated by just two points and chasing promotion.

Carlow and Wicklow know wins over Leitrim and Longford respectively will send them up to Division Three for 2027.

If either of the top two drop points London could benefit, but only if they beat Antrim, who still have an outside chance of finishing in the top two themselves.

The Saffrons are tied on six points with Tipperary and Leitrim, with any of the three teams capable of sneaking into the promotion spots if the results go their way.

For Antrim to go up, they must beat London and hope that both or one of Carlow and Wicklow lose in order to be promoted on scoring difference if three teams finish on eight points.

With +13, Antrim have the best scoring difference out of the teams currently placed third to seventh.

If Carlow or London fail to win Longford will go up if they beat Wicklow at home.

Fixtures (Sunday, 13:00 GMT)

Antrim v London

Carlow v Leitrim

Longford v Wicklow

Tipperary v Waterford.

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There is a huge amount to play for in this weekend's final round of fixtures in the Allianz Hurling League.

While some teams already know their fate, others will be fighting it out at either end of the table to earn promotion or stave off relegation.

In Division 1A, champions Cork will confirm their place in the final if they avoid defeat against already-relegated Offaly.

Limerick will join them if they beat Galway, who are also eyeing a place in the final.

Clare have already secured promotion from Division 1B with six wins from six with Dublin, Wexford and Kildare fighting it out to join them.

Antrim face Down in Newry on Saturday (17:00 GMT) knowing a win will keep them safe as Carlow take on the Dubs.

Down's chances of staying up are slim. They must beat Antrim and overturn their inferior scoring difference to the Saffrons and Carlow.

Kerry will look to join Laois in gaining promotion from Division Two with victory over Meath.

The Kingdom are level on points with Westmeath and have played out an earlier draw, but have a superior scoring difference.

Derry are already relegated and will likely be joined by Mayo.

In Division Three Roscommon and Donegal face off for top spot, while a win for Wicklow over Louth would send them up.

At the bottom of the table Fermanagh and Armagh's relegation has already been confirmed.

In Division Four Longford and Sligo, who have already secured promotion, meet in a dress rehearsal of the final.

Click here for hurling fixtures and tables, external

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The GAA Social sits down with cross-code legend Anthony Cunningham for an in-depth conversation.

Cunningham is one of the most respected coaches in the GAA, winning provincial titles in football and hurling with Roscommon and Galway, while he also led St Brigid's to two All-Ireland Club Football finals.

During his playing career, he also won two All-Ireland hurling titles with Galway.

In a wide-ranging conversation with Thomas Niblock and Oisin McConville, Cunningham speaks about his journey in the GAA, his health and explains why he thinks professionalism will eventually come to the GAA.

Listen to The GAA Social's interview with Anthony Cunningham on BBC Sounds

John McGovern
BBC Sport NI contributor

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Galway moved closer to Division One safety while confirming relegation for Monaghan with a commanding 1-20 to 2-09 victory at Grattan Park.

Padraic Joyce's side produced a clinical second-half display to pull clear after the teams had been separated by just four points at the interval.

The Farney men can no longer avoid relegation, as, even an upset against Donegal in their final game, would be insufficient.

Galway, by contrast, face a crucial encounter with Dublin, with just two points separating them from the Dubs and Armagh as all three compete next week to avoid falling into the remaining relegation spot.

Playing against the wind in the opening half, Galway were first on the scoreboard when Matthew Tierney fisted over after 10 minutes.

Monaghan responded immediately as Jack McCarron converted a two-point free to edge the hosts in front. The sides traded scores in the early stages through Dylan McHugh and Michael Bannigan, keeping the contest finely balanced.

The Tribesmen seized control after 15 minutes when a swift counter-attack involving John Maher and Dylan McHugh released Oisin MacDonnacha, who fired past Rory Beggan to put Galway ahead.

Robert Finnerty added a free before Matthew Tierney stretched the lead further as Galway began to dominate possession.

A potential second goal for Oisin MacDonnacha was then controversially ruled out.

Galway claimed a foot block by Daragh McElearney had stopped the effort, but referee Barry Tiernan allowed play to continue, awarding a 45-metre free instead of a penalty, leaving the visitors 1-05 to 0-04 ahead at half-time.

In the second half, Monaghan battled back as Dessie Ward curled in a goal after 40 minutes before Bannigan and O'Hanlon added points to reduce the deficit.

Galway responded with a series of two-pointers from Robert Finnerty and substitute Paul Conroy, running up nine unanswered points to stretch their lead.

A late goal from Michael McCarville and points from O'Hanlon offered a minor consolation for Monaghan, but it was not enough to prevent relegation.

Galway's clinical second-half performance secured a crucial two-point buffer over the drop zone, leaving next week's game against Dublin vital for their survival.

Niall Keenan
BBC Sport NI contributor

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Cavan boosted their hopes of survival with a hard-fought 2-20 to 3-15 win over Offaly in Tullamore.

Midfielder Ryan Donohoe top-scored for the Breffnimen as he tallied 1-5 and fired over a couple of rousing two-pointers late in the game.

The game started brightly as Oisin Brady pinched an early goal for Cavan.

It was quickly cancelled out at the other end though by Aaron Leavy and a second Dylan Hyland two-pointer meant Offaly led 1-4 to 1-2.

Darragh Flynn hit a couple of scores for three points, either side of a Hyland 45-metre kick and Ciaran Murphy added another to open up a six-point lead for the Faithful County by the 21st minute, but they wouldn't score for the remainder of the half.

Gearoid McKiernan, Tiarnan Madden, Brady and Peter Corrigan replied for the visitors and they trailed by just 1-9 to 1-7 at the break.

A Dara McVeety two-pointer straight from the restart had the sides level, but Offaly, in need of the victory themselves, again surged clear.

Jordan Hayes, Hyland and a goal from Diarmuid Egan moved Mickey Harte and Declan Kelly's side into a five-point lead.

Cavan did stay in touch and were level again by the 54th minute. Donohoe got his goal before Madden launched over from beyond the arc.

Ciaran Brady (Arva) and Paddy Lynch exchanged scores with Keith O'Neill, and a two-pointer from Donohoe then nudged Cavan in front.

Offaly threatened to nick the win in the closing stages when Jack McEvoy finished to the net on 66 minutes.

Eoin Clarke levelled for Cavan before Hayes gave the hosts the lead once again, but a second orange flag from Donohoe proved decisive, and Emmanuel Shehu rounded off the scoring for the Breffni County.

Defeat means Offaly are relegated to the third tier for 2027, while Cavan now move to four points and are ahead of Kildare on three.

Both teams face promotion hopefuls on the final weekend with Cavan heading to Derry and Kildare hosting Louth.

Niall Keenan
BBC Sport NI contributor

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Down secured promotion back to Division Two at the first time of asking with a sixth straight win as they defeated Sligo 2-25 to 0-21 at Markievicz Park.

Conor Laverty's men finished strongly down the home straight with two goals from Ceilum Doherty and Pat Havern after Sligo had taken a 0-19 to 0-18 lead.

A Daniel Guinness two-pointer and another single in between goals gave the Mournemen a commanding lead.

Guniness, Havern, and Doherty all added late points as Down ran out resounding 10-point winners in the end in what had been a fairly even encounter up until the hour mark.

The teams were level four times in the first half, and the lead changed on five occasions.

Doherty opened the scoring with two points, but a two-point free from Lee Deignan soon had Sligo in front.

Havern and Alan McLoughlin traded scores from frees before Down notched four points in succession to move 0-10 to 0-8 ahead.

Adam Crimmins, Donal Scullion, and a pair of frees from Havern were followed by a Sligo response.

Cian Lally and Daire O'Boyle pointed to draw the game, and a McLoughlin free to end the half meant the Yeats County held a slender lead at the interval.

Despite heavy rainfall at half-time, Down again flew out of the traps with a couple of quick-fire scores from Odhran Murdock.

Guinness (two), Havern (two), and Ryan McEvoy kept the scoreboard ticking, but they couldn't shrug Sligo off.

McLoughlin kept the home side in touch with a two-point free from outside the arc and Lee Deignan nudged them into a 0-19 to 0-18 lead on 55 minutes.

However, the Connacht men could only manage a further two points and Down finished with a flurry to eventually secure the win.

The Mourne county are now guaranteed promotion while Sligo are stuck on four points just above the relegation zone, with Limerick behind them on three.

Results elsewhere in the division also mean that Fermanagh are officially relegated to Division Four despite winning yesterday evening.

John McGovern
BBC Sport NI contributor

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Roscommon denied Donegal the chance to secure a National League final place before the final round as they claimed a hard-earned 2-20 to 0-20 victory at Dr Hyde Park.

Playing with a strong wind and in sporadic heavy showers, the hosts dominated the opening half and surged into an 11-point lead by the interval.

However, Donegal mounted a strong second-half comeback and cut the deficit to a single point, before substitute Conor Hand's goal restored Roscommon's cushion and kept the race for a league final place open heading into the final round.

Enda Smith set the tone immediately with a two-pointer from the first kick of the game. Donegal responded through Conor McCahill, but Roscommon quickly seized control.

Another sweeping counter finished by Smith for a second two-pointer stretched the lead before Conor O'Donnell replied for Donegal.

After 12 minutes, league top scorer Diarmuid Murtagh finished a slick passing move to the net after good work by Patrick Gavin and Niall Higgins.

With the wind at their backs, Roscommon converted additional points through Keith Doyle, Robert Heneghan and two points from corner back Colm Neary. Late scores from Gavin Mulreany and Michael Murphy left Donegal trailing 1-13 to 0-05 at the break.

The Tir Chonaill men produced a dramatic response after half-time. Substitute Shea Malone sparked the revival with an early point before scores from Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Jason McGee and Michael Langan – including a series of two-pointers – quickly cut the gap.

Donegal's surge continued as Jason McGee and Conor O'Donnell reduced the deficit to two points, before Finnbarr Roarty landed a long-range score to register Donegal's fourth two-pointer of the half.

Roscommon steadied themselves with scores from Doyle and Smith, but Donegal edged within a point when substitute Jamie Brennan split the post.

The decisive moment for the Rossies arrived five minutes from time when Murtagh picked out Conor Hand, who palmed to the net to restore Roscommon's cushion.

Murtagh added a late free to seal victory and revive Roscommon's hopes of reaching the Division One final, while Donegal's unbeaten league run came to an end.

Odhran Crumley
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney has called for more consistency in referee decisions after his side's 2-24 to 1-25 win over Dublin at Croke Park.

Jarlath Og Burns was shown a black card and McGeeney a yellow after an altercation as the players made their way off the pitch at half-time with Dublin 1-15 to 1-6 ahead.

The Orchard county were also punished at the restart with referee David Gough awarding Dublin with a 20 metre free to start the second half, leaving McGeeney confused to as why Og Burns was penalised.

"I'm sure they'll find something. They always do because they're never wrong," McGeeny said after the game.

"Yes and it's an embarrassment for me (on his own booking), but I struggle. I struggle a lot. All you're always looking for is fair play.

"The rules against one team should be the rules for the other team. It shouldn't waver. It just shouldn't waver.

"It should be the exact same. That's all we're looking. Nobody's looking anything else."

The Armagh manager was more than happy with the desire and effort his side showed at Croke Park, saying it was clear they were "fighting for survival" as they fought back to claim a much needed victory.

Oisin Conaty's late goal helped the Orchard men lead for the first time in the contest with less than five to play, when defeat would have all but condemned them to relegation to the second tier.

"The last two or three games for us definitely felt like that championship pace and today was no different," McGeeney said.

"It was all in obviously, we're fighting for survival and you could see that in the way the boys definitely put the shoulder to the wheel in the second half."

Armagh now host All-Ireland champions Kerry in the final round of the league needing a positive result to ensure they remain in Division One for next season.

"I think they've been playing well all year. That first half now was nothing like the way they've been playing. We haven't been able to close games out or missing some easy scores.

"But the first half wasn't like us at all. We were very, very poor, shockingly poor, maybe three or four players, but they definitely turned around in the second half and not only stood up but stood out,"

"They were excellent in the way they brought the game to Dublin and got some really quality scores."

"We know we'll have a tough task next week but what's new."

Odhran Crumley
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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Armagh came from behind to beat Dublin 2-24 to 1-25 and claim two vital Division One league points at Croke Park.

Oisin Conaty's late goal helped the Orchard men complete a remarkable comeback which may yet be vital in their pursuit of top-tier survival.

It's all to play for on the final day of the campaign as Armagh host All-Ireland champions Kerry while Dublin go to Galway - vitally the Ulster side now have the head to head advantage over their Leinster counterparts.

Heading into the game many felt the loser of this clash would be all but condemned to the Division Two for 2027.

Dublin were the team who started with real purpose and led 1-5 to 0-1 after 10 minutes with Niall Scully hitting with a hat-trick of points while Ross McGarry rattled the back of the Armagh net.

Scores from Tomas McCormack and Callum O'Neill eased the Orchard back into the clash before Cian McConville pulled a goal back for the Ulster side to leave four between the teams.

A burst of 0-4 including a Sean Bugler buzzer beating two-pointer left the home side leading 1-15 to 1-6 at half-time.

The second half did not begin with the traditional throw-in, instead referee David Gough showed Armagh's Jarly Og Burns a black card and awarded Dublin a 14 metre free due to an altercation as the players made their way towards the tunnel at the break.

Scully knocked over the resulting free before three points from substitute Oisin O'Neill, including a two point free, left eight between the sides at the end of the third quarter.

Armagh rallied and were boosted by the introduction of Conor Turbitt, outscoring Dublin eight points to one over a nine-minute spell, including an orange flag from Turbitt to put the minimum between the sides with just over 10 minutes to play.

Both sides were then reduced to 14 for the remainder of the contest as Brian Howard and Tiernan Kelly were given their marching orders for an off-the-ball incident.

The Dubs managed to keep their noses in front as both sides traded blows before McConville levelled the game for the first time since the opening minute.

It was clear the momentum was with Kieran McGeeney's side as Conaty blasted a vital goal to the net.

Armagh led for the first time in the game and the noise of the large travelling band of orange was felt with reverberations around Croke Park.

Ross McQuillan fisted over to move Armagh four clear before Paddy Small halved the deficit with a huge two-pointer with two to play.

Armagh failed to retain possession from the next play and Dublin had the opportunity to try and salvage a draw but Cormac Costello spurned the effort wide as Kieran McGeeney's men claimed a crucial two points.

Dublin: Hugh O'Sullivan; Eoin Murchan, Nathan Doran, David Byrne; Eoin Kennedy (0-2), Brian Howard, Alex Gavin; Peadar O Cofaigh Byrne, Charlie McMorrow; Luke Breathnach (0-4), Sean Bugler (0-4 1x2pt), Niall Scully (0-6 2f); Paddy Small (0-6 1x2pt), Killian McGinnis (0-3), Ross McGarry (1-0).

Subs: Cormac Costello (0-1) for L Breathnach (47), Ciaran Kilkenny for R McGarry (51), Sean MacMahon for Nathan Doran (53), Liam Smith for D Byrne (66)

Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Tomas McCormack (0-3), Gareth Murphy, Peter McGrane; Ross McQuillan (0-3), Tiernan Kelly, Jarly Og Burns; Callum O'Neill (0-1), Ben Crealey (0-1); Aaron McKay, Jason Duffy (0-2), Greg McCabe; Cian McConville (1-3 1f), Darragh McMullan, Oisin Conaty (1-3).

Subs: Oisin O'Neill (0-5 1x2ptf, 3f) for C O'Neill (HT), Conor Turbitt (0-3 1x2pt) for J Duffy (52), Paddy Burns for A McKay (61), Aidan Forker for D McMullan (69)

Referee: David Gough (Meath)

Niall Keenan
BBC Sport NI contributor

Image source, Getty Images

Fermanagh stood firm to grab their first win of the Football League campaign with a 2-13 to 1-14 victory over 14-man Laois at Brewster Park.

The visitors raced into an early lead with Evan O’Carroll landing a two-pointer before finishing to the net.

The winless hosts responded though as Darragh McGurn plundered to the net.

Fermanagh hit five of the next seven points.

Conor Love, Ronan McCaffrey, Ciaràn Corrigan, Garvan Jones and Brandon Horan were all on target for Declan Bonner’s side before Luke Flanagan got a second goal to give the Ernesiders a 2-6 to 1-4 advantage after half an hour.

The guests were then reduced to 14 men after Robert Tyrell received a red card following a bust up with McCaffrey.

Horan and Killian Roche traded scores before the break and Fermanagh led 2-7 to 1-5 at the interval.

Despite the numerical disadvantage Laois reduced the deficit as Roche stroked over a two-point free before Rigohan Murphy split the sticks.

Love and McGurn kept the scoreboard ticking but the Leinster outfit responded with five unanswered points.

Brian Byrne, O‘Carroll (2) Conor Heffernan and Paul Kingston brought the teams level at 2-10 to 1-13 with 61 minutes gone.

A Love brace and another point from McCaffrey nudged Fermanagh in front once again.

O’Carroll notched over another free but the Erne men held on to grab their first two points of the season.

They still need a number of results to go their way in order to beat the drop with Sligo sitting on four points ahead of their game with Down on Sunday.

Hope of staying up by virtue of a three-way tie is still on, albeit unlikely, for now.

Odhran Crumley
BBC Sport NI Journalist

Image source, Inpho

Meath withstood a Tyrone fightback to give their Division Two promotion hopes a huge boost with a 3-24 to 2-22 victory at Croke Park.

The Royal County, who are playing their 'home' games at GAA headquarters due to the redevelopment of Pairc Tailteann, registered eight orange flags and three green over the 70 minutes.

Meath got off to the perfect start as Aaron Lynch smashed the ball to the back of the net after just three minutes.

Tyrone responded through Ethan Jordan, who added three more efforts from 45's to the first score of the game, alongside a rasping goal, to give the Red Hands a 1-5 to 1-0 lead after the first quarter.

This would prove to be as good as it would get for Malachy O'Rourke's side as Jack O'Connor took the game by the scruff of the neck.

The Meath forward landed four two-pointers from play, before rolling home a fine solo goal to leave his side 2-12 to 1-11 ahead at the break.

It could have been worse for Tyrone at the break. Lynch rolled the ball into the net with the final action of the half, but referee Niall Cullen adjudged that the play came after the hooter had sounded.

There was no sign of a let-up from Robbie Brennan's side early in the second half as they landed 1-6 without reply in a ruthless four minute spell.

Eoghan Frayne and Ruairi Kinsella (two) landed orange flags before Lynch fired home his second goal of the evening - Meath led 3-19 to 1-13 after just 43 minutes.

Pre-match the men in white and red were boosted by the return of Darragh Canavan after his travel plans were cut short.

The star man's introduction coincided with a rally from his team as they struck an unanswered 1-7.

Jordan landed a two-pointer before Niall Devlin finished to the net, reacting quickest after Peter Teague's shot struck the post.

Canavan himself hit a two-pointer to leave two between the sides before Sean Coffey got Meath's first score in 13 minutes.

Darren McCurry was black-carded with five minutes to play as Jordan, who finished with 1-9, landed another two-pointer to leave two between them with three to play.

Sean Brennan's late two-pointer from a free after the hooter - Tyrone failed to keep three in defence - secured the win for Meath, who go to Offaly next knowing a win will seal promotion to Division One for next Spring.

Tyrone host Cork, needing a result to ensure they retain their second-tier status.

Meath: Sean Brennan (0-2 1x2ptf); Seamus Lavin, Sean Rafferty, Brian O'Halloran; Donal Keogan, Sean Coffey (0-1), Ciaran Caulfield (0-1); Bryan Menton (0-1), Jack Flynn; Jack O'Connor (1-8 4x2pt), Ruairi Kinsella (0-5 2x2pt), Adam O'Neill; Jordan Morris (0-1 1f), Eoghan Frayne (0-4 1x2pt), Aaron Lynch (2-1).

Subs: Keith Curtis for A Lynch (54), Cathal Hickey for J O'Connor (54), James Conlon for E Frayne (58), Jason Scully for J Flynn (68)

Tyrone: Oisin O'Kane; Aidan Clarke, Peter Teague, Cormac Quinn; Joey Clarke (0-1), Niall Devlin, Michael Rafferty; Brian Kennedy, Conn Kilpatrick; Seanie O'Donnell (0-1), Ronan Cassidy (0-2), Ciaran Daly; Ruairi Canavan (0-2), Ethan Jordan (1-9 1f, 2x2pt, 4x45'), Mattie Donnelly (0-1).

Subs: Darren McCurry (0-4 1f) for R Canavan (28), Michael McKernan for M Rafferty (32), Darragh Canavan (0-2 1x2pt) for C Daly (43), Eoin McElholm for R Cassidy (60), Frank Burns for J Clarke (64)

Referee: Niall Cullen (Fermanagh)

Image source, Getty Images

Derry's bid for a return to Division One was dealt a blow by Louth as the Ardee hosts ran out 1-19 to 0-18 winners on Saturday afternoon.

The Oak Leafers remain top of Division Two but only on scoring difference with Cork, Meath and now Louth also on eight points.

Dara McDonnell's two-pointer set Louth on their way and when Sam Mulroy netted a 12th-minute penalty - awarded for a foul on Kieran McArdle - the gap was four.

Derry forward Niall Laughlin popped over the first of his seven points before wind-assisted Louth scored six of the final eight points in the first half, including two-pointers from Paul Matthew and the outstanding Mulroy.

The Ulster side were first on the scoreboard on the restart thanks to a Loughlin point and hopes of a comeback were on with the wind now at their backs.

A Loughlin two-pointer helped Derry reduce the deficit to four points but Louth quickly halted their momentum.

They reeled off three points without reply and keeper Niall McDonnell made two vital saves to deny Derry.

Derry again clawed their way back and they had the chance to make it a two-point game on 62 minutes when the referee pointed to the spot for a barge on Shane McGuigan.

However, McGuigan dusted himself down before firing straight at man-of-the-match McDonnell.

Louth eased through for a comfortable victory to boost their own promotion chances while Derry must regroup before their final game against Cavan next weekend.