Longford, Offaly and Westmeath delivered victories, with Carlow also beginning brightly this afternoon.

Laois edged out neighbours Offaly in a highly entertaining Midlands derby to seal their place in Round 4 of the All-Ireland Qualifiers.

Offaly safely negotiated a potentially tricky first round qualifier tie at Bord na Móna O’Connor Park in Tullamore this afternoon, where they had the brilliance of Bernard Allen to thank for the ten-point winning margin they enjoyed against London.

Down are top of Division 3 of the Allianz Football League heading into the final round of group games, while Derry continued their unbeaten run in Division 4 this afternoon.

Clare 1-19 Offaly 2-14

Clare needed every one of their 20 scores to edge out a valiant Offaly side that refused to give in.

The Offaly County Board management committee last night voted to remove Stephen Wallace as manager of the senior footballers.

What was expected to be a fiercely contested clash between two clubs that have been regular participants in the Leinster club championship surprisingly proved a one-sided encounter as Rhode overwhelmed Moorefield.