Galway booked their place in the Division 1 final with a narrow win over their neighbours Mayo while Donegal remain bottom and face into a relegation play-off where they will play either Mayo or Meath.
Donegal 0-06 Dublin 2-13
A dominant first half set Dublin on their way for their fourth league win of the campaign and left Donegal still pointless at the bottom of the table.
Hannah Tyrrell scored 1-3 in that opening half as the Dubs held a commanding 14 point lead going in at the break – 1-11 to 0-00.
Donegal were given a somewhat boost at half-time when Niamh McLaughlin made a welcome return from injury. The Dubs lost Jessica Tobin and then Ellen Gribben through yellow cards. Orlagh Nolan put away a late penalty for Mick Bohan’s side.
Cork 1-17 Kerry 2-06
Cork inflicted a first league defeat on their great rivals Kerry in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Friday. A goal from Hannah Looney saw the Rebel County lead 1-6 to 0-2 after 19 minutes played.
The lead was eight points at half-time – 1-9 to 0-4. Kerry keeper Ciara Butler pulled off a save in the early stages of the second half to deny Cork a second goal.
Kerry were a much changed side for this game and introduced captain Siofra O’Shea at half-time. The Kerry captain scored two goals for her side but they were unable to make a remarkable comeback.
Meath 2-05 Waterford 1-09
A goal from Lauren McGregor proved to be the difference as Waterford overcame Meath by one point. McGregor’s goal in the 53rd minute gave the Deise the lead for the first time. Meath were dealt a blow near the end when Stacey Grimes was sin binned.
After a tight start, a goal from Niamh O’Sullivan gave Meath the lead in the 15th minute. Meath scored a second goal through Amy O’Leary just before half-time to extend their lead to six points 2-4 to 0-4.
There were two between the sides in the 53rd minute before McGregor pounced for her goal to edge her side in front and they were able to hold on for the win.
Mayo 2-06 Galway 0-13
Galway booked their place in the Division 1 final with a narrow win over Mayo in Castlebar. They had to withstand a late Mayo comeback when a Rachel Kearns point cut the gap to just one in the 57th minute.
Mayo got off to a great start when Tara Needham found the back of the net in the 12th minute. Galway kicked five points in a row to take a two point lead in the 24th minute. A free from the boot of Róisín Leonard gave the Tribeswomen a one point lead at the break.
Galway were three ahead in the 35th minute but a goal from Kearns drew Mayo level one minute later. Shauna Howley gave them the lead minutes later. Galway replied with four points in a row that set them on their way to victory.
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