Plenty of talking points after today’s action
The second weekend of the Allianz football leagues provided plenty of entertainment for GAA fans this afternoon, with action across all four divisions. Arguably the game of the day in Castlebar saw Tyrone edge Mayo by a four points, in a match that had a number of controversial incidents, especially the black card for Aidan O’Shea and a goal by Cillian O’Connor
Elsewhere, Kerry defeated 14-man Derry in Celtic Park, with the sharpest dressed man in the Kingdom dressing room, Paul Geaney, helping himself to a second-half goal. The Kingdom led by 0-10 to 0-7 at half time, and with the Dingle man rattling the net, they powered home for a 1-17 to 0-13 win. It is the first time that Eamonn Fitzmaurice has won a game in February since he became Kerry manager three years ago.
The final game in the top flight saw Cork do just enough to see off Monaghan in Castleblayney, in a savage battle beset by foggy conditions, by 2-14 to 1-16.
A Kieran Hughes goal gave the home side the lead at half time by 1-5 to 0-6 but Cork, who were very defensive against Dublin last week, opened up after the break and Colm O’Neill’s first goal of the afternoon brought them to within a point. Monaghan fought back and led by three again before O’Neill’s second green flag of the day restored parity. The sides exchanged scores until a last-gasp free from O’Neill, who was easily the man-of the match, gave the Rebels their second win of the campaign.
The only game in Division Two was a thrilling affair as Westmeath and Galway battled out in Cusack Park.
They were level at half-time at 2-6, and a late shot to force a draw from John Heslin hit the post as Galway escaped with a 2-13 to 2-12 win. Patrick Sweeney was their top performer on the day with 1-5 from play.
In Division Three, Tipperary held Limerick scoreless for the opening 35 minutes as the Shannonsiders struggled to match the form that saw them beat Sligo last week. Tipperary led by 0-8 to no score at half time and ran out 1-14 to 0-3 winners in Templetouhy.
Armagh beat Wexford by 2-13 to 1-8, having scored their first goal just before half-time thanks to Ethan Rafferty. Ciaron O’Hanlon’s second-half goal had Armagh ahead by 2-13 to 1-6 and they powered home for a second win of the league.
Fermanagh top the standings after a 0-14 to 0-12 win over Sligo, while Clare came crashing back down to earth with a 1-16 to 0-13 loss to Louth in Drogheda
In Division Four, the early game saw hosts Carlow beat London 2-9 to 0-13, a goal from Darragh O’Brien proving crucial against the Exiles after Hugh Gahan raised the first green flag of the day just after half-time.
Despite fears that their game in Pearse Park wouldn’t go ahead, Longford and Antrim did take to the field and the home side enjoyed a 0-14 to 0-13 win over the Saffrons.
Waterford’s recent good run was brought to a halt as Offaly beat them by 0-13 to 1-4 and Wicklow edged Leitrim by a point, 0-11 to 0-10 the final score in Aughrim.
