Cork go goal crazy against Galway

Ephie Fitzgerald’s Cork went on a scoring blitz at Tuam Stadium to put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the Lidl Ladies NFL Division 1 semi-finals.

The holders ran out 6-15 to 1-11 winners against the Tribeswomen to boost their scoring difference considerably, as Mayo strengthened their position at the top of the table.

It was also a landmark day for Armagh as Ronan Clarke’s charges scored a first victory over Dublin at senior level, while Kerry finally won a game on the road this year, scoring a 1-14 to 0-6 victory over hosts Monaghan.

Cork had their game put to bed by half-time, having opened up a 4-7 to 0-6 lead.

Aine O’Sullivan netted twice in the first half, with Orla Finn and Ciara O’Sullivan adding the other first half goals. Roisin Leonard scored Galway’s only goal ten minutes into the second half but Cork added further majors through Annie Walsh and Ciara O’Sullivan, who completed her brace.

Leonard finished as Galway’s leading scorer with a haul of 1-7, with Finn notching 1-8 for Cork.

It was a mixed day for Leonard, however, as she missed two penalties.

Mayo made sure of a place in the last four as they beat Tyrone by 1-13 to 0-5 in Killyclogher.

Barring a mathematical miracle in next weekend’s final round of group fixtures, Tyrone are relegated, without a point and carrying a scoring difference that is 57 points worse off than Monaghan, who are second from bottom on three points.

Mayo can’t be caught and looking at the possibilities for the other top four slots, Dublin and Armagh look good in second and third places, three points clear of the chasing pack.

In Blackhill, meanwhile, Kerry had 1-6 from Laura Rogers as they triumphed over Monaghan.

The Kingdom should beat Tyrone in their final fixture but will be reliant on an unlikely series of results.

The top four slots in Division 2 have been decided as Donegal, Clare, Cavan and Westmeath will contest the semi-finals, with one of them set for eventual promotion.

In Division 3, Waterford and Tipperary are through to the semi-finals, with two from Roscommon, Wexford and Leitrim to join them.

In Division 4, Wicklow, Longford, Limerick and Antrim are confirmed semi-finalists.