Offaly on brink of promotion to Division 2 after derby victory over Kildare

March 16, 2025

Offaly's Daire McDaid celebrates winning a penalty against Kildare ©INPHO/James Crombie

Offaly took a huge stride in the race for promotion from Division 3 of the Allianz Football League with a 2-17 to 0-17 victory over neighbours Kildare in Tullamore this afternoon.

After having edged a 0-11 to 0-10 lead at half-time, the Faithful men fell behind by two points before a brilliantly taken goal by Rory Egan surged them in front again in the 53rd minute.

Cormac Egan and Dylan Hyland sent over points to stretch the home side’s lead and, while Kildare answered back with points from Colm Dalton and Cathal Hagney, Hyland’s penalty settled the issue for them as they recorded their fifth win of the campaign to leave themselves on the brink of promotion.

The other clash in Division 3 saw Sligo moving out of the relegation zone thanks to a hard fought 1-18 to 1-15 win against Antrim at Corrigan Park.

Sligo had built up a 0-10 to 0-5 lead by the time Luke Towey hammered in their goal three minutes before half-time and, while the home side would get a goal back via Dominic McEnhill, the scores of Niall Murphy and Alan McLoughlin late on would ensure a crucial win for the Yeats men.

Meanwhile, the scheduled sixth round clash between Leitrim and Fermanagh in Ballinamore was conceded by the hosts yesterday, ensuring Fermanagh’s safety in Division 3 while also confirming the Connacht side’s return to Division 4 next season.


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