Kingdom set to renew battle with Mayo in Croker semi-final
Mayo’s draw with Jack O’Connor’s side in Tralee yesterday was enough to secure them the last of the semi-final spots with Kerry, having already qualified as table-toppers.
Their knockout game is the 2pm curtain-raiser for the other semi-final, between Cork and Down at GAA headquarters (4pm throw-in).
Reigning league champions Cork’s victory over Dublin guaranteed them second spot while Down, who were heavily beaten in Páirc Uí Chaoimh in February, finished in third on eight points as they beat Laois in Portlaoise.
That defeat consigned Justin McNulty’s side to Division 2 just one season after they were promoted. Armagh will join them in the second rung of the competition following their loss to Donegal in Ballybofey.
In Division 2, John Doyle’s injury-time penalty equaliser against Galway was enough to push Kildare into the second promotion spot along with Tyrone, who have a 100% record for their seven round games.
They face each other in the divisional final in Croke Park on April 29.
After narrowly avoiding relegation last year, Meath were demoted to Division 3 after losing to Louth and going down to 13 men in Páirc Tailteann. Pressure is now mounting on manager Seamus McEnaney after five consecutive defeats. Monaghan’s reverse against Tyrone meant they also finished on four points and go down.
Longford and Wexford, who faced each other yesterday having already earned promotion, will do so again in the Division 3 final in Croke Park on April 28.
Offaly will join Tipperary in Division 4 in 2013 after losing to the Premier County in Clonmel.
Clare need a draw against Wicklow next weekend to join Fermanagh in the Division 4 final. A Wicklow win would earn them a final place.
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