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GAA League Division 1 : How table stands for Winner and Relegation – Mayo still fighting

Inter-county football returned last weekend and it was like it never left. There was no shortage of action across the country. Here is an update of how each county in Division 1 of the National Football League stands ahead of the final weekend.

Division 1

Kerry jumped to the top of Division 1 with a win on the road against Monaghan. A three-point victory was a comfortable one in which Monaghan never really threatened to close an early deficit. As a result, the Ulster side are in relegation trouble going into their final game versus Meath.

On Saturday evening, Dublin returned to action at home to Meath. A possible League title in Dessie Farrell’s first stint as manager remained possible with victory in a high-scoring match. Dublin started well and opened a six-point gap that included the game’s only goal. However, Meath remained competitive and restored some pride despite their relegation already sealed.

On Sunday afternoon, Connacht rivals Galway and Mayo did battle in Tuam. Somewhat surprisingly, it was a one-sided affair in favour of the visitors. James Horan’s experimental side hit 2-17 by half-time. A further 1-6 after the break ensured a hammering on Padraig Joyce’s side. Now, Galway find themselves in third and needing favorable results if they are to win the Division. On the other hand, Mayo’s win hasn’t saved them from relegation. They need to beat Tyrone in round 7 to guarantee safety.

Finally, Donegal and Tyrone offered a glimpse of their upcoming Championship game in the League restart. Two goals early in each half went a long way in easing Donegal’s relegation concerns. It ended in a four-point win for Donegal in a game that saw neither side pull any punches despite the upcoming Championship fixture. Conor McKenna impressed in his Gaelic return. But, it was the other number 11, Niall O’Donnell, who looked more at home. Donegal should be safe in Division 1 following the result. In contrast, Tyrone vs Mayo looks likely to now be a relegation shoot-out.

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GAA League Division 2 : How table stands for promotion and relegation – Roscommon in the driving seat

In one the most tightly contested Divisions, Roscommon took control with a win away to Armagh. However, the mid-table means five teams can still finish second. At the other end, Fermanagh’s relegation was guaranteed despite a valiant fight in Clare. Here is a Division 2 update.

Β Division 2

On Saturday, Westmeath gained the upper hand on Laois. Previously, the teams had an identical record. But last weekend Westmeath boosted themselves up the table. A Jamie Gonoud goal in the last ten minutes sealed the game. Now, Laois must win against Fermanagh in round 7 to avoid relegation. Whereas, Westmeath could earn promotion or even a title with a win against Kildare as long as other results go their way.

Armagh vs Roscommon was a top-of-the-table clash in Division 2. Armagh seemed in control early on as Roscommon were wasteful in front of the posts. But, a penalty just before half-time and two goals in as many minutes in the second-half turned the game around. in consequence, Roscommon can guarantee the Division 2 title against Cavan. Meanwhile, Armagh must overcome Clare to go to Division 1.

Fermanagh will be in Division 3 next season after a loss to Clare sealed their fate. Joe McGann’s goal went a long way in the Munster side’s favour. But, Fermanagh didn’t go down fighting. They were denied twice in the closing minutes, once by the woodwork. A late penalty made it a nervy finish but Clare held on. Yet, they need another good result against Armagh to ensure safety.

Finally, Kildare and Cavan provided a super shoot-out in Newbridge. It finished 1-21 vs 0-20 to the home side. Jimmy Hyland hit 0-9 for the Lilywhites and they carried a ten-point lead into the second-half water break. However, Cavan came roaring back in the final quarter and just came up short. The sides are now level on points. Kildare host Westmeath and Cavan host Roscommon in round 7 and either side could still be either promoted or relegated.

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GAA League Division 3 : How table stands for promotion and relegation

Cork picked up from where they left off in Division 3 but the battle for second has heated up. Down are the favourites to join the rebels in Division 2 but Derry and Longford are also in with a chance. Round 7 will decide all for these counties.

Division 3

On Saturday morning, it was announced that Leitrim were conceding their game with Down. Due to the Covid-19 situation, a number of players were not available and as a result they could not field a team. Now, Leitrim are staring down the barrel of relegation and hope their situation improves so they can fight to survive against Tipperary. Meanwhile, Down need just a point against bottom of the table Louth to ensure promotion.

Cork resumed their dominance in the Division with a 5-19 vs 0-16 win over Louth. Louth are guaranteed to go down and Cork will win the Division. Next weekend, Cork play Offaly. With nothing on the line, it is likely Ronan McCarthy will rest some of his squad for the Championship tie against Kerry.

Derry joined the promotion fight with a win over Longford. The 2-14 to 0-12 victory draws them level with Longford and leaves both teams within one win of second place. In round 7, Longford host Cork and Derry travel to Offaly. A win for either side will give them a chance of promotion if Down fail to beat Louth.

On Sunday, Conor Sweeney’s first-half goal from a penalty proved to be the decisive score as Tipperary defeated Offaly at Semple Stadium. It finished 1-16 to 0-16 which puts the Munster side one step closer to safety. They are now level with Offaly. Offaly can ensure survival with a point against Derry. Elsewhere, Tipperary play Leitrim which will be a relegation decider for both teams.

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GAA League Division 4: How it stands for promotion – three at the top

Wexford’s win over Limerick makes them part of a three-way tie at the top of Division 4 that includes Wicklow. Here is how each side fared in round 6 and how they stand.

Division 4

Wicklow put in a dominant display against Antrim that saw them hit the net seven times. At the other end, a clean sheet rounded off an impressive performance. As a result, Wicklow are top of the table alongside Limerick and Wexford. But, Antrim’s defeat hasn’t ruled them out either. They sit just one point off the top. A win over Waterford could see Antrim go up if other results go their way. Elsewhere, Wicklow and Wexford play each other in a game that guarantees the winner promotion.

Carlow and Sligo played out a 2-17 to 2-15 game that ended in favour of the Leinster side. Both teams are doomed to remain in the Division but Sligo have a chance to prove their worth in round 7 against Limerick. In contrast, Carlow are without another fixture due to London’s inability to travel.

Limerick missed the chance to secure the League title as they lost to a Wexford team inspired by Ben Brosnan. This means Wexford are level with Limerick and the latter must win away to Sligo to be promoted. Likewise, a win for Wexford against Wicklow could ensure their rise to Division 3.

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Conor McKenna returns to Tyrone duty

Conor McKenna made his first start for Tyrone against Donegal at the weekend after a six-year stint in the AFL with Essendon. The Eglish man transitioned seamlessly back to the round ball and earned an impressive personal tally 1-02.

In the first-half, he was somewhat lucky to be awarded a penalty. However, there was no such luck involved when he picked out Frank Burns with a kick-pass early in the game, providing an easy mark.

McKenna spent much of the game between the inside and half-forward line. But, he wasn’t afraid to work for the team and showed a desire to get in on the action. To illustrate, a hefty collision with Michael Murphy before half-time drove the Donegal man backwards. This is something not many have achieved.

Mickey Harte was clearly looking to utilise McKenna’s physical attributes at every opportunity. For example, he was in midfield for the throw-in at the beginning of each half.

Β Answer to McShane Absence

With the absence of Cathal McShane for the season, Tyrone needed some firepower inside and McKenna could be the answer. Mickey Harte will be left frustrated that he can’t combine McShane and McKenna but Tyrone’s forward line is still in promising condition.

In the second-half, McKenna played closer to goal and looked a real threat. He kicked two points in the game. Both coming after good patient play around the D. McKenna was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the 57th minute when it looked like he was fouled by Neil McGee.

When the game was finished as a contest, Conor McKenna still had gas left in the tank. In the 72nd minute, he picked the ball up 20 yards from goal and with four Donegal defenders in his path. But, with a savage turn of pace and his trademark dummy solo, he cut inside and created enough space to put the ball into the net.

If Sunday’s showing was only a glimpse of what is to come, Tyrone fans have much to look forward to. With their round 7 game against Mayo next weekend a relegation battle, McKenna could be a vital asset.

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Greenwatch: Connolly Assist, Coleman Injury

Premier League

It was a quiet weekend for the Irish internationals on their return to domestic action. The likes of Matt Doherty, Conor Hourihane, Callum Robinson and Aaron Connolly had to settle for a place on the bench. However, the latter did have an impact when he came on. Brighton snatched a late equalizer against Crystal Palace as Connolly teed up Alexis Mac Allister.

Sheffield United’s Irish contingent of John Egan, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick all started as the Blades got off the mark with a one all draw against bottom side Fulham. Likewise, Kevin Long started for Burnley as their clash with West Brom ended in a goalless draw.

There was also tightly contested draw at Goodison Park as Liverpool and Everton went head to head. The derby game wasn’t short of talking points with controversial VAR decisions, red cards and injuries. Seamus Coleman, on his return to the side, suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury. The Donegal man was forced off after half an hour.

Championship

Cyrus Christie was drafted into the national squad after Coleman pulled out through injury. After featuring against Wales, he followed this with a start for new club Nottingham Forrest this weekend. An impressive performance in their win over Blackburn Rovers warranted his place in the Championship team of the week.

Adam Idah picked up his first start of the season as Norwich City overcame Rotherham United with a late penalty. Fellow Irish youngster and U-21’s centre-back Nathan Collins, who started in the loss against Italy, set up Stoke’s second goal in a 2-0 victory. Meanwhile, Swansea City’s game against Huddersfield Town came too soon for Ryan Manning after his deadline day switch to the Welsh club.

Rest of Europe

Elsewhere, Josh Cullen started his first game for Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht. Cullen completed 90 minutes with the game finishing all square.

All Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Results & Reports

The Liberty Insurance Senior Camogie Championship got underway at the weekend with wins for Westmeath, Kilkenny, and Galway. Cork received a walkover from Offaly.

Galway got the defence of their Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship off to a perfect start with a 5-17 to 3-9 victory over Wexford.

Westmeath marked their debut in the Championship in fine style with a victory over Limerick, as Kilkenny got the upper hand on south-east rivals Waterford.

Semi-finalists for the past two seasons, Tipperary, overcame the dismissal of Aisling Moloney to record a 0-20 to 1-8 triumph over Clare.

Westmeath surprise Limerick

Limerick 0-12 Westmeath 1-12

Westmeath could make the knockout stages at the first attempt after a stunning first half in Bruff.

The home side showed plenty determination to get it back to a goal at the final whistle, having trailed by 8 points early doors. They almost rescued a draw only for Westmeath goalkeeper Fiona Keating to save Judith Mulcahy’s late effort.

Points from Keating, Pamela Greville, Megan Dowdall and Ava Balfe gave Westmeath a tremendous start. When Denise McGrath scored a goal, they were 1-7 to 0-2 ahead. Two pointed frees from Caoimhe Costelloe was all Limerick had to show.

Paul Sexton’s side finished with four points, including their first score from play by Orlaith Kelleher.

Aoife Doherty helped increase the margin to seven, enabling Johnny Greville’s team to hold off a late Limerick rally.

Kilkenny too strong in the South-East

Waterford 0-08 Kilkenny 0-15

Denise Gaule and Beth Carton shot three points each as the sides went in deadlocked on 0-6 apiece at half-time.

Anne Dalton began as part of a two-player full-forward line and got the scoring under way. With Lydia Fitzpatrick industrious around the middle, Gaule capitalised on finding space with a couple of lovely scores.

Abby Flynn, Annie Fitzgerald and Carton were threatening, leading to a number of frees that Carton converted. Waterford will rue not registering a goal from a couple of chances however.

Kilkenny had the wind in the second half and found another gear as Waterford carried none of the threat of the opening period.

Katie Nolan, Miriam Walsh and her cousin Grace were among the scorers as Brian Dowling’s charges pulled away for a deserved triumph.

Champions Galway open their defence

Galway 5-17 Wexford 3-9

Galway got their defence of the Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship under way with an impressive performance against Wexford, winning 5-17 to 3-9.

The Connacht side scored a fourth-minute goal though Catherine Finnerty following good defensive work by Shauna Healy. Finnerty caught Aoife Donohue’s delivery on the 45, turned sharply, before drilling an unstoppable shot beyond Laura Brennan.

Wexford hit back quickly with a smart finish to the net by Mag Byrne after Linda Bolger had kept the sliotar alive.

Donohoe provided the ammunition for Ailish O’Reilly, who rounded her marker before providing a cute finish for her first major in the 10th minute.

Wexford had the margin down to four with just a minute of normal time remaining in the first half. A point by CaitrΓ­ona Cormican and a second goal for O’Reilly quickly left them trailing by 3-9 to 1-7 at the break.

Stunning Chloe Foxe score

Chloe Foxe landed a free early in the second half and one of the best team goals you are ever likely to see.

It began with centre-back Sarah O’Connor gathering Sarah Healy’s lengthy drive inside her own 45. She burst through a flurry of bodies before offloading to the supporting Bolger. The midfielder accelerated forward before hand-passing to Shelly Kehoe. Kehoe transferred quickly to Joanne Dillon and the Rathgarogue/Cushinstown attacker made no mistake from 13m.

Galway needed a response, and it came via Niamh Hanniffy, as she pounced on a loose pass to grab a fourth goal for the visitors.

Cathal Murray was able to introduce Rebecca Hennelly, Orlaith McGrath and Niamh McGrath, and Donohue followed up with another brilliant goal.

Wexford continued to battle, O’Connor grabbing a fabulous goal following another run down the centre of the Galway defence. The move included a one-two with RΓ³isΓ­n Kelly before the centre-back provided the immaculate finish.

Tipp take comfortable win over Clare

Tipperary 0-20 Clare 1-8

The new-look midfield pairing Karen Kennedy and Moloney were among the early scorers. Grace O’Brien, Orla O’Dwyer and CΓ‘it Devane also got in on the act. Tipperary used a very strong wind to their advantage in the first half of their victory over Clare.

Clare began well with points from Áine O’Loughlin, Greta Hickey and O’Loughlin again. The full-forward also had a shot at goal well saved by Caoimhe Bourke.

Precision in attack was significant however, given the elements, and at half-time, Bill Mullaney’s outfit led by 0-13 to 0-4.

Devane stretched the lead soon after the restart. Laura McMahon and Susan Vaughan responded well, as the Banner got more possession. Unfortunately for them, they failed to capitalise on some of their opportunities.

Championship debutant Moloney was red carded in the 20th minute after referee Ray Kelly consulted his officials following an off-the-ball altercation with Vaughan.

Tipp’s reaction was impressively professional. Devane slotted a 45 and Kennedy, revelling at midfield, split the posts to take the wind out of the Clare sails.

The Premiers moved 12 clear to ensure that Kelly’s stunning 64th minute green flag was too little too late for Ger O’Connell’s hard-working team.

Derek McConnell is 2020 Underwriting Exchange Grand Prix Champion

Derek McConnell recently became the 2020 Underwriting Exchange Grand Prix Champion recently at Wexford Equestrian as the Kildare rider finished fourth in the final round of the series.

Though the title was still up for grabs going into the final, with Liam O’Meara and Mark Finnerty not featuring in the line-up, McConnell had it won by booking a place in the six-way jump-off.

In the end, he claimed the league on a total of 47 points, nine points ahead of his closest rival.

Speaking after the class, McConnell said of his horse Dothraki Warlord:

β€œIt is hugely satisfying to win the national title, both as a professional rider and as some one who has produced this horse from a three-year-old up to this level. I always knew he was a special horse and I would like to thank the Hennessy’s for buying him.”

Claiming the runner-up spot in the league was Jonathan Smyth and Crystal Tom, while third place in the league went to Liam O’Meara and Curraghgraigue Jack Take Flight.

Final Round

Claiming the final leg was Paul Beecher and Ikona V.’T Recht Eind. They posted the winning round of clear in 35.67 seconds when first to go.

Second last to go, Jason Higgins wasted no time with Dondoctro Ryal K. Desite a series of tight turns, a clear in 36.25 seconds proved good enough for second place.

Young rider Jennifer Kuehnle also put in a faultless performance with Tullibards Miss Optimistic. Their time of 36.89 seconds saw them take third place.

Second to go against the clock, Derek McConnell set off in a determined pace with Dothraki Warlord and a clear in 40.54 seconds saw him slot into fourth place.

Tholm Keane proved out of luck when he had one on the floor with BMH Big Time, but his time of 40.80 seconds saw him fill fifth place.

Last to go, Paul Beecher returned with Glamstone, but his decision to retire mid-way through the course, meant a sixth-place finish for him.

Women’s National League – Weekend Scores & Reports

Peamount United began the Second Phase of the 2020 Women’s National League season by claiming another victory. Athlone Town and Shelbourne also won, while Bohemians held DLR Waves to a scoreless draw in their first game in Dalymount Park.

Scoreless at Dalymount

Bohemians 0-0 DLR Waves

Bohemians started the second half of the season by featuring in Dalymount Park for the first time and by collecting a point.

There were few clear-cut chances for either side in this fiery encounter. Both will see it, however, as a point gained considering the effort over 90 minutes.

SinΓ©ad O’Farrelly had DLR hearts thumping with a late free-kick but Bohs were unable to get in behind their opponents to break the deadlock.

The visitors will be pleased by the energy showed by Carla McManus. She could prove to be an attacking threat for them, while Mel Clarke made her debut in the second half.

O’Gorman maintains her form

Galway WFC 0-2 Peamount United

Ahead of linking up with the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team this weekend, Áine O’Gorman maintained her good recent form.
The Peamount captain scored the first goal after 24 minutes to move ahead of team-mate Eleanor Ryan-Doyle in the Golden Boot race for the Top Goalscorer.

It was far from smooth sailing for the champions however as Galway applied a lot of pressure and probably deserved more from the game as they kept goalkeeper Niamh Reid-Burke busy.

Peamount were able to keep their hosts at bay until Lucy McCartan scored in the final 10 minutes to make sure of the win.

Athlone claim more points

Treaty United 2-3 Athlone Town

Athlone showed their determination to pick up more points in this clash.

Manager Tommy Hewitt placed his trust in young players for their debut season in the League. Their gradual improvement has been clear to see, especially in the likes of goalscorers Kayla Brady and Katelyn Keogh.

It was Kellie Brennan who got them started in Jackman Park before Brady extended their lead. Treaty did hit back through Cayla Davis before the interval.

Keogh scored on 59 minutes and that proved to be the winner in spite of Gillian Keenan getting one back.

Ziu stars at Ferrycarrig Park

Wexford Youths 2-5 Shelbourne

Shels attacker Jessica Ziu started and finished the scoring at Ferrycarrig Park as she completed a hat-trick.

The Dubliner scored just three minutes and even though Ciara Rossiter responded for the hosts, it was clear The Reds were fired up for this one.

Ziu got another in the first half and Noelle Murray got her first of the game too. Dave Bell’s side showed just how clinical they can be when playing at speed.

Captain Kylie Murphy pulled one back for Wexford on 64 minutes. Further goals from Murray and Ziu, however, wrapped up a big win for Shels, who are desperate to keep pressure on League leaders Peamount.

Review: Dundalk defeat Derry at the Brandywell

Filippo Giovagnoli continued his impressive start as Dundalk boss with another win

Goals from Sean Murray and Jordan Flores contributed to a Dundalk victory as they kept their (slim) title hopes alive. This evening’s game was the Lilywhites’ final preparation for their European tie against Molde on Thursday. They’ll be hoping they can produce a similarly professional performance against the Norwegian league champions.

Dundalk were the first to strike after an early goal from Sean Murray to make it 1-0. Murray unleashed a rocket into the top right corner with 7 minutes on the clock after good build up down the left. It was only Murray’s fourth league start this season, but he certainly made an impression this evening which will give his manager a selection headache come Thursday.

It wasn’t long afterwards in the 14th minute that Dundalk got their second. Conor Clifford won’t want to watch the goal back as it was his mistake that led to the opportunity. A poor back pass from the midfielder handed Jordan Flores an opportunity he couldn’t miss as he tapped in from close range. Flores has scored some spectacular goals this season but this one certainly won’t make any goal of the season compilation. Still though, a goal’s a goal and it helped Dundalk come out on top in the end.

Derry struck back on 18 minutes with a Darren Cole header after an inswinging free kick from Adam Hammill. Cole has made a habit of scoring against Dundalk since joining Derry, he’s now scored 3 goals against the Lilywhites after he netted this evening.

The next chance of the game fell to Dundalk. Sean Murray produced some good play down the right before crossing into Sean Murray, but the former Watford man failed to get his second of the night as he shot wide.

Derry could have got the equaliser after 36 minutes when Meite was afforded a chance after some good high pressing from Derry, but he shot safely into Aaron McCarey’s hands.

Not long after Derry had another opportunity. This time is was Walter Figueira who struck a venomous shot but McCarey got down well once again as he palmed the ball away. Figueira was arguably Derry’s best player of the first half as he consistently caused problems for Dundalk with his pace and close control, but unfortunately for him his threatening play didn’t end with the ball in the back of the net. Figueira’s chance was the last opportunity of the first half.

After a turbulent first half – particularly in the first 20 minutes – the second half failed to live up to expectations.

It was a drab affair as both teams struggled to fashion any opportunities.

Derry were the most threatening side in the second half as they consistently tried to break down the Dundalk defence, but to little avail. They had two half chances with 80 minutes played but Aaron McCarey produced two good saves to keep out Clifford and Malone.

Dundalk had one opportunity from a free kick in the 91st minute to seal their victory but McEleney failed to get enough power on the shot to trouble the keeper.

The match finished 2-1 to Dundalk after a unremarkable second half.

Here were the teams on the night:

Dundalk: McCarey; Gannon, Cleary, Boyle, Leahy; Murray (Mountney), Flores (Hoban), Colovic (McEleney), Sloggett, Duffy (Dummigan); McMillan (Shields).

Derry: Cherrie; Coll, Cole (Horgan), Harkin, Toal; Hammill, Clifford, Malone (Thomson), McJannet, Figueira; Meite (Bruna).