Gaelic football wrap: Monaghan beat Dublin in Clones

Monaghan toppled reigning champions Dublin in the first round of the National League, 2-13 to 1-13.

Meanwhile, there were wins for Kerry and Galway in Division 1, with notable victories for Donegal and Carlow in the second and third tiers respectively.

Monaghan 2-13 Dublin 1-13, Division 1

Monaghan recovered from a slow start to record a deserved three-point win over the reigning champions.

A Niall Scully goal helped the Dubs into an early four-point lead, but Monaghan hung in there, and grew into the tie as both John Small and Robbie McDaid were sent to the sin bin in the first half. Jim Gavin's outfit led 1-7 to 0-8 at the break.

The home side fought back in the second half, making smart use of the attacking mark. Goals from Stephen O'Hanlon and Shane Carey helped swing the tie, as substitute Conor McManus acted as a calming presence in the forwards. Malachy O'Rourke's charges were full value for their victory.

Kerry 0-11 Tyrone 0-7, Division 1

Peter Keane's Kerry reign is off to a winning start as they beat last year's All-Ireland finalists in Killarney.

The Kingdom led from the off in what was a low-scoring contest. Sean O'Shea was accurate from frees while Dara Moynihan caused the Red Hands' rearguard issues as the Munster kingpins picked up two points.

Next up for Kerry is the trip to Cavan, while Tyrone will host Mayo next week.

Galway 0-13 Cavan 0-11, Division 1

Last year's Division 1 finalists got off to a winning start in Salthill.

Kevin Walsh's charges went point-for-point with the Breffni County in the first half, with the sides going in level at half-time, 0-5 to 0-5. However, the Connacht champions emerged stronger in the second half to push on and claim the two points on offer.

Division 2

Favourites Donegal picked up a hard-fought away win over Clare, as they edged the Banner 0-16 to 0-13. Meath saw off Tipperary in Navan, 0-15 to 1-11. There were two draws in the second tier on Sunday afternoon, as Fermanagh and Cork shared the spoils, 0-8 to 1-5 in Enniskillen while Kildare and Armagh drew 0-14 to 1-11.

Division 3

Turlough O'Brien's Carlow side are off to a winning start in Division 3 with an impressive 1-11 to 0-7 win over Sligo. Westmeath staged a second-half comeback to beat Offaly 0-13 to 0-12, while Longford eventually overcame Louth in a tight affair, 1-8 to 0-9.

Division 4

A brave Antrim fightback fell just short against Derry, as the Oakleafers took the spoils 1-10 to 1-9. Limerick beat London in Ruislip 0-11 to 0-10, while Leitrim beat Wexford 3-15 to 0-11.