Another defeat leaves Mayo in relegation fight

FORMER champions Mayo are fighting relegation in Division 1 of the Bord Gáis Energy Ladies National Football League after a third successive defeat yesterday.

In a repeat of the 2009 final, holders Cork ran out 2-17 to 2-7 winners against the Westerners at Cork IT.

All four goals arrived in the opening half before the Leesiders, who led by 2-7 to 2-4 at half-time, cruised to a second win from three.

Valerie Mulcahy, was Cork’s leading scorer finishing with a 1-6 haul.

The ace corner forward scored the game’s opening goal but Mayo’s two-goal star Triona McNicholas replied immediately as the sides traded early goals.

Grace Kearney fired home a brilliant second goal for Cork before McNicholas struck again for Mayo.

Staunton scored 0-5 but her influence diminished in the second half as Cork gained a firm grip.

In Division 3, Fermanagh joined Clare on top of the table with a resounding 4-15 to 0-7 victory against Limerick at Ahane on Saturday.

Fermanagh took full advantage to claim a 20-point win, as Nuala McManus led the way in the scoring stakes with 2-2.

At half-time, Fermanagh led by 2-5 to 0-4 and the winners outscored their outclassed opponents by 2-10 to 0-3 in the second half. The Little sisters, Caroline and Sharon, scored the other Fermanagh goals as the Ulster outfit remain firmly on course for promotion to Division 2. In Division 4, Roscommon and Westmeath continue to lead the way after both counties recorded comfortable victories.

Roscommon scored a 1-9 to 0-3 win against Louth at Kiltoom while Westmeath defeated hosts Kilkenny by 3-17 to 1-3.