Granard St. Mary’s . . . . . . . . . . . 0 - 8

In the battle to avoid the drop down into Division 2 next season, Granard lost out to Ardagh in the All County Football League Division 1 relegation play-off at the Slashers grounds on Sunday last.

St. Patrick’s started brightly to score the first three points through Liam Keenan, Shane Henry and Paddy Keenan but St. Mary’s gradually got their act together with scores from Liam O’Rourke, Glen Kelly and Kevin McGahern.

The sides were still all square at the break, 0-5 apiece, but Granard made a flying start to the second half with a couple of quick scores. The ding-dong battle continued with Shane Henry converting two frees for St. Patrick’s to level matters once again before Glen Kelly was on target for St. Mary’s.

However, that proved to be their last score of the game as Ardagh regained the upper hand to finish strongly with late points from Shane Henry, Paddy Ganley and EndaWard and now meet neighbouring rivals Mostrim in the relegation/promotion play-off on Saturday next.

ARDAGH: Michael Lenehan; Brian Og Farrell, Brian Farrell, Val Bohan; Gerard Farrell, Danny Kennan, James McGoey; Liam Keenan (0-2, one free), Paddy Keenan (0-2); Enda Ward (0-1), Seamus Shortt (0-1, free), Philip Gillen; Padraig Keegan, Paddy Ganley (0-1), Shane Henry (0-4, two frees).



Sub used:- Nicholas Farrell for P Gillen (half-time).

GRANARD: Martin Flood; Thomas Gallagher, Brian Sheridan, Jodie Connolly; Colm O’Hara, Gene Kearney, Willie Murray; David Blessington, Cliff Sheridan (0-1); Michael O’Donnell (0-1), Dessie Kiernan, Liam O’Rourke (0-2); Kevin McGahern (0-1), Glen Kelly (0-2), Derek Sheridan (0-1).



Sub used:- Thomas Devaney.

Referee: Mick Doherty (Legan Sarsfields).