Connolly condemns Dubs to the drop

DUBLIN’S senior ladies footballers were yesterday relegated to Division Two of the Suzuki National Football League following a 1-9 to 0-8 play-off defeat by Tyrone at Westmanstown.

Sarah Connolly got the all-important goal for Tyrone in the first half as they salvaged their top flight status for another season. at the expense of the Leinster champions.

The Dubs led 0-8 to 1-2 at half-time but failed to score in the second period, allowing Tyrone to chalk up a further seven points to gain victory.

Elsewhere in the final group games, Mayo and Cork both continued their impressive form with victories and all of the Division One quarter-final pairings have now been confirmed.

Cork will play Armagh, Mayo face Monaghan, Kerry take on Meath and Galway tackle Waterford. All games are expected to take place next weekend.

All-Ireland champions Cork maintained their 100% record with a 4-14 to 2-11 victory over Donegal at Keenagh yesterday.

Four first half goals fired them into a 4-5 to 1-8 half-time lead and the result rarely looked in any doubt in the second period.

Yvonne McMonagle had hit an early goal for Donegal to push them into the lead, but goals by Geraldine O’Flynn (two), Caoimhe Creedon and Aisling O’Connor pushed the Rebels into a commanding lead.

Mayo also continued their winning ways with a 2-13 to 2-7 win over Armagh in Drumard, with their goals coming from Annette Gallagher and Cora Staunton.

On Friday night, Meath booked their place in the Division One quarter-finals with a 2-12 to 0-4 win over Donegal in Slane.

In Division Two yesterday, Tipperary and Cavan played out a draw, 2-9 to 3-6, while in Division Three Clare overcame Fermanagh 3-9 to 1-9 and Wicklow accounted for Derry 5-9 to 4-9.