"Dublin hadn't their full team, the points really weren't that important to anyone so we'll keep it all in context."

Malachy O'Rourke wasn't losing the run of himself following the Farney County's minimum margin victory over Dublin.

"We pride ourselves on the fundamentals of our game - the skills, the kick-passing, hand-passing, and we did turn the ball over quite a lot today, which won't be good enough going forward."

Dublin's unbeaten 12 match run came to an end and Jim Gavin highlighted what went wrong for his team.

"The things that were important - one was getting a result and two well, part of the reason that I am back in management is that there is huge character and determination in that group."

Stephen Rochford's Mayo secured their top flight status thanks to Kevin McLoughlin's stoppage time levelling point.

"We had chances at the end and we did not take them. It can be a cruel game at times."

Division 2 beckons for Declan Bonner and Donegal in 2019.

"The Donegal win was so important. Mayo was excellent and I suppose a lot of people were telling us it was a long time since we beat Kerry and I suppose it is nice to put the record straight any day of the week."

Mickey Harte guided the Red Hands to a 1-16 to 0-14 victory over Kerry - their first win over the Kingdom in eight years.

"We were a bit lucky not to be beaten by more, to be honest. There is plenty there for us to be working on."

Eamonn Fitzmaurice's thoughts now turn to the championship.

"With the result last week not going our way, we knew today it was still in our hands, but it required a massive performance to get us over the line and in fairness they delivered."

Mattie McGleenan and Cavan booked an immediate return to Division 1.

"I couldn't fault them, other than we left our shooting boots behind us. We played very well up front and picked up big tallies. I think we got 2-10 today, but we were averaging 2-16 or 2-17 and we should have that today."

Tipperary's profligacy in front of the posts was their undoing against the Breffni County, according to Liam Kearns.

"I have to say this whole set up with the current set of fixtures, I do think it's been a little bit unfair on us. We now have a situation where Tipp are travelling to Down on a Bank Holiday weekend. It's in our hands though."

Andy McEntee's Meath have their Division 2 destiny in their own hands ahead of their rescheduled round 7 clash with neighbours Louth.

"You'll have ups and downs when you have a young team, but the character they showed - they are a mighty gang really, the way they keep ploughing back. It shows a lot of resilience, but I just wish we weren't leaving ourselves with so much to do with 15 minutes to go."

Once again, promoted Roscommon did it the hard way but Kevin McStay wasn't complaining following their win over Cork.

"Like every game you play, there are things you wouldn't be happy with, but two points gained and eight overall, so we are safe on our own bat."

Colm Collins and Clare inflicted a seven point defeat on Louth.

"We've had a difficult league campaign, but at least we competed well today, which gives us something to work off for the championship opener with Laois. Although relegated, it was encouraging to end the league on a winning note."

Paul McLoughlin's Wexford overcame an understrength Armagh outfit.

"We simply did not compete in the first-half. We may have had only a handful of regulars, but the team that started was our first team on the day."

With promotion already secured, Kieran McGeeney experimented against the Model County.

Tweet

Most Read Stories