Division 3 Round-up

Longford 0-10 Tipperary 0-9

Tipperary lost only their second game of NFL Division 3 after a determined comeback by Longford gave them a one-point win at Semple Stadium.

Glenn Ryan’s charges were firmly on the back foot early on as a dominant Tipperary took a 0-5 to 0-0 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

However, a determined Longford were aided by good scores from Paul Barden, Brian Kavanagh and Padraig Berry, and cut the deficit to two points at the break.

Longford’s shooting showed a marked improvement in the middle third of this game with Kavanagh particularly accurate as the visitors equalised at 0-7 each as the game entered the final quarter.

Longford broke three points in front and although Tipperary cut the gap to the minimum following a Brian Coen free with two-and-a-half minutes remaining, the visitors held firm for the victory.

Down 0-17 Roscommon 0-15

Down are through to the Division 3 decider after Ross Carr’s men registered a two-point win over dogged Roscommon at Dr. Hyde Park.

A trio of Senan Kilbride scores saw the hosts take a 0-7 to 0-6 interval lead with Paul McComiskey and Aidan Carr keeping the visitors in touch.

Down battled back on the restart with Daniel Hughes, John Fegan, Carr and Benny Coulter moving them in a two-point lead.

Although Donie Shine kicked four points in the closing 35 minutes for Roscommon, it was not enough as the hosts fell short by a brace at the finish.

Offaly 2-11 Limerick 2-8

First half goals from John Reynolds and Niall McNamee ensured Offaly claimed third spot in Division 3 following this three-point win over Limerick at O’Connor Park in Tullamore

McNamee and PJ Ward helped engineer Reynolds' early goal which gave the hosts a 1-0 to 0-0 lead.

McNamee added a second before the interval from the penalty spot with Limerick failing to make effective use of their midfield dominance.

The dismissal of Ward saw the Shannonsiders bounce back into contention on the restart with Sean Buckley netting their second goal.

However, Offaly showed greater resolve in the closing stages to hold out for victory.

Louth 2-16 Cavan 2-13

The goals were also evenly spread in Drogheda with Darren Clarke bagging 1-6 as Louth took a 2-16 to 2-13 win over Cavan.

The Breffni boys were in command early on with Padraig Reilly and Michael Lyng netting goals.

But majors from Clarke and Ronan Carroll turned a five-point deficit into a two point lead by the interval.

Carroll and Clarke continued to impress in the second half and although Tommy Carr’s men kept in touch, Louth battled hard to claim their third league victory.