National Football League: Cavan relegated to Division 4 after Wicklow defeat, Cork survive with Westmeath win
A round-up of Saturday's action in the Allianz Football League. Cork survived a scare at home to Westmeath in the Division 2 relegation play-off, while Cavan suffered a shock defeat to Wicklow, meaning the reigning Ulster champions have suffered three consecutive relegations.
Last Updated: 12/06/21 9:48pm
Cavan have suffered a third consecutive relegation in the National Football League, after a shock defeat at the hands of Wicklow.
Wicklow 3-11 Cavan 0-18 (Division 3 relegation play-off)
2020 Ulster champions will play in the bottom tier of the National League next year, after an upset loss to Wicklow in Páirc Tailteann.
The Breffni County played in Division 1 in 2019, but their tumble down the league continued as they fell to the Garden County on Saturday afternoon.
A Patrick O'Connor goal helped the Davy Burke's charges into a slender 1-5 to 0-7 lead at half-time.
Although Cavan looked to out-point their opponents after the break, a pair of Seanie Furlong goals kept Wicklow in the driving seat as they held out for a two-point victory.
Wicklow have retained their third-tier status after last year's promotion, while Mickey Graham's side prepare for their championship opener against Tyrone on July 10 off the back of further National League disappointment.
Cork 3-22 Westmeath 0-22 (Division 2 relegation play-off)
Westmeath led 0-14 to 0-12 at the half-way mark in a high-scoring contest at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and it looked like the Lake County could be set to spring a surprise.
However, goals from Mark Collins, Luke Connolly and Brian Hurley after the break helped to turn the tide after the break.
The Lee-siders have avoided a significant set-back, having won promotion from Division 3 in 2020. Ronan McCarthy's charges now look ahead to their upcoming Munster Championship semi-final against Limerick or Waterford.
Down 2-19 Laois 2-12 (Division 2 relegation play-off)
1-9 from Barry O'Hagan helped Down retain their Division 2 status in Páirc Esler, Newry, as the Mourne County ran out seven-point winners against Laois.
Mike Quirke's charges suffered a fourth straight loss, as goals from Evan O'Carroll and Donie Kingston were not enough to avoid defeat.
Derry 0-17 Limerick 0-13 (Division 3 semi-final)
Rory Gallagher's side continued their impressive form, making it four wins from four in Division 3 to secure promotion.
The Oak-Leafers out-pointed Limerick at Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, as 0-6 from Shane McGuigan helped to book their spot in the second tier for 2022.
Offaly 1-14 Fermanagh 0-12 (Division 3 semi-final)
A late Mark Abbott goal sealed Offaly's five-point victory, as John Maughan's Faithful team overcame Fermanagh in Tullamore.
Offaly's early start in the championship means there is no time for a Division 3 final, so the title will be shared with Derry.
Carlow 1-15 Louth 1-23 (Division 4 semi-final)
Mickey Harte has successfully brought Louth up to Division 3. In his maiden season at the helm, the three-time All-Ireland winning boss with Tyrone helped the Wee County finish second in the Division 4 'North' group, and they overcame the Barrow-siders in Netwatch Cullen Park, 1-23 to 1-15.
A Conor Grimes goal set Louth on their way to the eight-point victory, as they now turn their focus towards the Leinster Championship opener against Offaly.
