The first round of fixtures in the NFL’s basement division produced two draws, whilst Leitrim and Laois were victorious.
Carlow 2-10 – 2-10 Wicklow
Carlow launched a late rally to earn a draw with Wicklow in Saturday’s fixture between two neighboring counties.
Wicklow opened scoring with a first-minute goal courtesy of Padraig O’Toole though a Ross Dunphy goal saw Carlow quickly reply. More goals followed in the opening half as Jordan Morrissey sent the home side into the lead but Eoin Murtagh shot into goal before the break to see his side ahead by a point.
The second period produced four points apiece and Shane O’Neill’s second point from a free saw the game to a draw.
Wexford 1-09 – 1-09 London
A late goal from Matthew Walsh saw London tie with Wexford at Wexford Park in their opening fourth-division clash.
Sean Nolan found 1-03 for Wexford in this game and his county led by three points at half-time.
A London comeback saw a point separate the teams in the 43rd minute, and though the Leinster side then added to their lead through Nolan’s goal, the Londoners fought hard to stay in the game.
Walsh’s point earned the side a deserved draw as Wexford saw Nolan and Kevin O’Grady sent off.
Leitrim 3-18 – 0-11 Waterford
The Ridge County came from behind to run riot in the second half of this fixture at Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada to seal a 16-point win over Waterford.
The Deise led by the minimum at the break and lost their way without the breeze at their backs in the second period.
Goals from Jack Heslin, Tom Prior, and another late-on from Keith Beirne meant Leitrim stormed to victory in their opening league fixture.
Sligo 0-11 – 2-11 Laois
On recent form, Sligo looked to be contenders for promotion this season but they met their match in the newly relegated Laois.
The Leinster side were five points ahead at half-time but had to deal with a Sligo resurgence after play restarted. Scores from Darragh Cummins and frees from Sean Carrabine and Niall Murphy saw the gap close sharply.
Laois didn’t find their feet in the second half until Evan O’Carroll hit over the bar on 57 minutes but a goal from Lee Walker in the final moments put the O’Moores on their way to promotion.
