Carlow 2-13 Westmeath 0-16

CENTRA was yesterday announced as the newest co-sponsor of the All-Ireland hurling championship,taking over from RTÉ in a deal which will last three years.

The injury-hit Westmeath hurlers will be playing in the Christy Ring Cup next season after being relegated by Dublin in a 0-16 to 0-08 defeat in Tullamore.

Enda Loughlin has shaken off an ankle injury to be included in the Westmeath line-up for this afternoon's crucial All-Ireland SFC Relegation final against Dublin (Tullamore, throw-in 2pm).

Dublin 2-14 Westmeath 0-11

Westmeath 3-7 Down 5-15

Westmeath 2-01 Down 2-07,

New Offaly manager Mike McNamara is taking every match seriously - the former Clare and Galway trainer is keen to get off to a flier in Sunday's Walsh Cup tie with Westmeath.

IT may only be the opening round of the National League, but the appeal of Cork and Kerry continues to attract above average interest for football followers.