Allianz Football League round-up:Defending champions Cork put last weekend's defeat against Dublin behind them with a 1-15 to 1-12 win over Monaghan at Pairc Ui Chaoimh this afternoon while Mayo proved too strong for neighbours Galway.
Monaghan trailed by 1-9 to 1-5 at half-time after playing against the strong wind and enjoyed a lot of second-half possession only to waste chances which cost them in a tight game.
On three occasions Monaghan came within two points of their opponents, but Cork always replied to the threat, notably in the closing stages, when substitute Colm O’Neill and the impressive Pearse O’Neill, captain for the day who scored five from play, added important points.
In Tuam, Mayo got one over their Connacht rivals with a convincing 2-14 to 0-12 win. Galway had started brightly, scoring the first three points of the match, and holding Mayo to a 1-07 to 0-7 halftime lead despite playing into a stiff breeze.
But their challenge evaporated following the restart and Jason Doherty’s second goal laid the foundations for a comfortable win.
Dublin’s tenancy at Croke Park continued to pay dividends last night as they edged out Kerry 3-10 to 1-15 at GAA headquarters. The win was based on goals and for the second week running Dublin put three past serious opponents.
The performance, before an attendance of 23,720, guaranteed that the home side would remain top of the Allianz Football League on full points from three demanding fixtures.
The weekend’s final match in the top flight saw Down overcome their great rivals Armagh 0-12 to 0-11 at Pairc Esler in Newry. A bumper crowd of almost 11,000 witnessed an exciting game full of good football and excellent scores.
Down could have made things easier on themselves but passed up four goal chances with the woodwork denying them twice while Danny Hughes and Peter Fitzpatrick both had shots blocked.
Allianz Football League results
Sunday
Division One
Cork 1-15 Monaghan 1-12
Galway 0-12 Mayo 2-14
Division Two
Derry 1-07 Laois 1-21
Donegal 0-8 Kildare 1-5
Sligo 0-15 Tyrone 2-15
Division Three
Cavan 0-13 Waterford 0-8
Limerick 1-12 Offaly 2-10
Tipperary 2-9 Westmeath 2-13
Wexford 0-11 Louth 1-12
Division Four
Carlow 1-11 Clare 1-10
Fermanagh 0-13 Wicklow 2-07
London P Leitrim P
Longford 4-24 Kilkenny 0-5
Saturday
Division One
Down 0-12 Armagh 0-11
Dublin 3-10 Kerry 1-15
Division Two
Antrim 0-11 Meath 0-14