Galway see off Tipp to book place in semi-finals

GALWAY secured their place in the Lidl National Football League Division 1 semi-finals after round five of the competition, while Dublin, Donegal, Cork and Mayo are still in the fight for a last-four spot.

Cork romped to a 3-16 to 0-4 win against Maxi Curran’s previously unbeaten Donegal, and a win next weekend against Mayo will wrap up their spot in the last four.

Goals from Ciara O’Sullivan, Niamh Cotter and Ashling Hutchings put Cork on the road to victory at Pairc Ui Rinn on Saturday, while Orla Finn’s six points ensured an easy day for the Rebels. All four of Donegal’s points came from Kate Guthrie frees.

Galway were made to work hard for their five-point win over Tipperary in Bansha. Leanne Coen and Róisín Leonard’s goals before half-time were key scores for Galway, who had trailed after Aishling Moloney’s found the net for Tipp. With Tracey Leonard on form, Galway built on their three-point interval lead, and when Moloney fired her second goal there was no hauling back Galway.

Mayo are still in with a slim chance of making the last four after they edged a three-point win against Westmeath.

Pushed

First-half goals from Sinead Cafferkey, Tamara O’Connor and Fiona Doherty gave Mayo a comfortable lead, but they were pushed all the way by the home side.

Mayo need wins against Cork and Dublin to reach the semis.

Dublin showed they are in the form to claim more silverware as Sinead Aherne marked her first start of the season with a hat-trick of goals in a victory against Monaghan which saw them move within a point of a spot in the semi-finals.

Siobhan Woods, Siobhan Killeen and Aherne’s treble left Dublin 5-7 to 1-6 up at half-time – Ciara McAnespie bagged Monaghan’s goal.

Monaghan face Tipp in a key relegation battle next weekend, while Westmeath will look to pick up points against Donegal and Tipp in their final two games to retain their top-flight slot.

In Division 2, Armagh beat Clare, while Waterford beat Tyrone. Wexford remain in the hunt for a semi-final place after their win over Laois.

In Division 3 Meath beat Kildare, while Longford and Sligo earned wins against Down and Roscommon respectively. Wicklow hit five goals past Offaly as they bid for Division 2 football next season.

In Division 4 the tight battle for promotion continues with wins for Limerick and Carlow. Derry and Antrim drew.