GAA Round-up:Donegal were pushed all the way before getting the better of Galway at Markievicz Park, while Kildare won a pulsating encounter with Wicklow in Portlaoise as both sides advanced to the quarter-final of the All-Ireland SFC.
Colm McFadden (0-6) and Michael Murphy (0-5) commanded Donegal’s full-forward line to good effect while their defence remained strong despite Galway’s threatening attack.
That said Donegal had rely too heavily on frees to generate theirs scores, five of their points coming frees in the first period before the sides went into the break level at 0-07 to 0-07.
Galway, who had Diarmuid Blake sent-off in the latter stages, went two points ahead, but Donegal quickly responded with a four-point run inspired by Rory Kavanagh as they won the round four qualifier 0-14 to 0-13.
In Portaloise it took a late goal from Alan Smith to break the deadlock for Kildare as they eventually ran out 2-09 to 1-16 winners in this qualifier.
It was almost surreal to see Kildare kick as many as 12 wides, including eight in the second half, but still managed to win against Mick O’Dwyer’s side.
The Lilywhites went into the break 0-11 to 1-04 ahead with Seanie Furlong scoring Wicklow's opening goal.
Tony Hannon scored a second goal for Wicklow but it wasn’t enough to halt Kildare, who roved too strong in the end.
Meath were comfortable 2-12 to 0-11 winners over Roscommon in the round three SFC qualifier at Páirc Tailteann.
Earlier in the day Offaly secured their All-Ireland SHC status for next season after running out comprehensive 1-28 to 0-13 winners over Antrim at Parnell Park.
Offaly scored a fortunate goal early on when Kevin Brady fired a long ball in before Antrim goalkeeper Ryan McGarry spilled his effort as the sliotar eventually found the net.
Antrim responded with scores from Karl Stewart but they never got into their stride and trailed 1-15 to 0-08 at half-time.
The afternoon got worse for Antrim when Stewart missed a penalty early in the second period as Offaly pushed on with Brian Carroll recording a personal tally of 0-12.
Clare also secured All-Ireland action next year when they defeated Wexford 2-24 to 2-18 in Portlaoise.
It was a tough encounter for Clare, especially when reduced to 14-men when Brendan Bulger was sent-off.
Diarmuid Lyng (1-11) was in excellent form for Wexford but ultimately his efforts were in vain.
It was nip and tuck all afternoon with both sides drawing level on four occasions with Wexford going into the break with a narrow 0-11 to 0-09 lead.
However, in the second period Clare upped their game and goals from Mark Flaherty and Niall Gilligan were enough to ensure Clare top flight status next year.
Results:
All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers - Round Four
Galway 0-13 Donegal 0-14
Kildare 1-16 Wicklow 2-09
All-Ireland SFC Qualifier - Round Three
Meath 2-12 Roscommon 0-11
All-Ireland SHC relegation play-offs
Antrim 1-28 Offaly 0-13
Clare 2-24 - 2-18 Wexford