Dublin and Cork lead the way as title race hots up

CORK manager Ephie Fitzgerald was happy with his six-in-a-row chasing side’s Division 1 win, 2-13 to 1-6, over Westmeath, but was also displeased with aspects of their play yesterday.

“It was a win, but it wasn’t the most f luent football we have played,” he said.

“But we are happy to take the points in a game we were expected to win, really.”

Orla Finn’s 2-6 helped the second-placed Rebels to a 10-point win over last year’s Division 2 champions. Fiona Claffey scored Westmeath’s goal in the 20th minute.

Elsewhere in Division 1, reigning All-Ireland senior champions Dublin made it four wins out of four, while Donegal and Galway also recorded victories.

Elverys MacHale Park played host to a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final between the Sky Blues and Mayo on Saturday night, Dublin winning 2-8 to 0-12.

BRACE

A brace of goals from full-forward Oonagh Whyte was key.

Donegal made it back-to-back victories with a hard fought

1-7 to 1-4 win over Ulster rivals Monaghan in Clones.

Yvonne Bonner’s 1-2 and Karen Guthrie’s three points steered the visitors to victory.

Galway left Killarney with all three points after a one-sided 1-14 to 1-6 win over Kerry.

The Tribeswomen’s goal came from Leanne Coen, Lisa Murphy’s replying for the Kingdom.

In the second tier, 2017 AllIreland intermediate and Division 3 league winners Tipperary beat Cavan 1-13 to 3-4.

Armagh ran out 6-14 to 0-8 winners over neighbours Tyrone, while Waterford enjoyed a 2-13 to 2-5 win over Sligo and Laois edged past Clare 3-11 to 3-10.

In Division 3, Meath were 7-29 to 2-5 winners over Leitrim and Down overcame Offaly by a single point, 1-12 to 1-11.

Wexford and Kildare also came out on top in their round four clashes.

And, finally, there were wins for Louth, Fermanagh, Limerick and Wicklow in Division 4.