Louth moved to the top of Division 3 with a four-point win over promotion chasing Antrim in Ardee this afternoon.
Limerick lie in second place after their narrow win over Laois on Saturday evening while Wicklow recorded their first win of the league campaign when they defeated Longford by one point.
Despite the win in Longford, Wicklow are all but relegated. For Longford, it all comes down to their game with Laois next Sunday.
Limerick 0-15 Laois 0-14, MW Hire O’Moore Park, Portlaoise
Limerick are back in the promotion hunt after their one point win away to Laois on Saturday night. Substitute Robbie Bourke scored two late to secure the win for Limerick. Laois are in a battle now to retain their Division 3 status; they must avoid defeat against Longford next Sunday in their final game.
Laois made a bright start to the game and after the opening quarter they were ahead by two points. Billy Lee’s side then took control of the game and were ahead by four at the break – 0-10 to 0-6.
Laois upped their game in the second half and hit five unanswered points to take the lead. Limerick came back at them but in the 66th minute Kieran Lillis edged Laois ahead. Sub Bourke hit over two points to edge Limerick back in front. Laois had a few late chances to get something out of the game but squandered them as Limerick held on.
Wicklow 0-20 Longford 2-13, Aughrim
Wicklow overcame a six point deficit to record their first win of the league campaign but they are all but relegated. They would need huge results next weekend to stay up. For Longford it comes down to their final game against manager Billy O’Loughlin’s native Laois.
Longford scored two goals in the first half; Jack Duggan and Darragh Doherty both finding the back of the net. They were ahead by six in the 12th minute. Wicklow cut the lead to one point in the 33rd minute but Oran Kenny gave Longford a two point lead at the break.
The sides were level four times in the second half. Wicklow keeper denied Kenny from getting Longford’s third goal in the 36th minute. Wicklow were ahead in the 58th minute; the first time since the fourth minute. Longford were level again in the 67th minute. Eoin Darcy and Alan Dillion fired over points for Wicklow late on as they claimed a narrow win.
Louth 1-12 Antrim 1-8, St. Mary’s Ardee
Louth are on the verge of promotion to Division 2 after this over promotion chasing Antrim in Ardee. Antrim made a slow start to this game. Louth created two goal chances early on. The Wee County took an early two point lead but the Saffrons were level in the 15th minute.
Antrim didn’t score for another 20 minutes, as Mickey Harte’s side took control of proceedings. Ryan Murray hit over a free as Antrim trailed by three points at the break. Louth stretched the lead to five points inside the opening 14 minutes of the second half.
Dermot McAlesse fisted the ball to the net in the 50th minute. Conor and Ryan Murray helped Antrim to within one point of Louth but Sam Mulroy eased Louth’s nerves as he grabbed a goal as the Wee County won by four points.
Westmeath 1-9 Fermanagh 0-12, TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar.
Westmeath were made rue missed chances as they were held to a draw by Fermanagh in Mullingar. The Lake County now need to win next Sunday and hope results go their way if they are to gain promotion from Division 3.
Jack Cooney’s side started the game well and built up a five point lead with David Lynch grabbing a goal. Fermanagh replied with three points in a row. David Giles missed a goal chance for Westmeath as they went in at half-time two points ahead – 1-5 to 0-6.
Alex Gardiner brought a save out of Fermanagh keeper Sean McNally in the 42nd minute. Fermanagh took the lead for the first time in the 49th minute. A pointed free from John Heslin and a point from Ronan O’Toole edged the Lake County in front in the 67th minute.
Sean Quigley levelled for the Erne County on 70 minutes when he kicked over a mark. Westmeath missed another goal chance in stoppage time. Ryan Jones (Fermanagh) was sent off for a second yellow near the end while Sam McCartan (Westmeath) and Richard O’Callaghan (Fermanagh) were shown black cards.
Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland