NFL Roundup - Week 3

Division 1

• The Saturday evening game saw a very thrilling draw between Donegal and Mayo, although the home side can be somewhat disappointed that they let a 9-point lead slip and ended up conceding 2 goals in the second half. Mayo had a bit of a poor year last time around and so will be using this league to build themselves up to the levels of years gone by, and on this evidence they are on the right tracks.

• It really was a game of 2 halves up in Omagh as Tyrone, the home side, only managed 3 points in the first half, yet in the second period Kerry only got 2 points. I caught this game on the television and Kerry came racing out of the traps as they were most likely keen to avenge their All-Ireland loss in September and at times they were simply excellent. Both of their goals were very well taken and they could have had more if the Tyrone keeper had not made some great saves. Tyrone looked like a completely different team in the second half though as they picked themselves up for a very unlikely comeback and you felt that if there had of been 5 extra minutes then they probably would have won the game, they had that much momentum. While yes it was disappointing to lose at home, they will take some heart from earning back some respectability.

• Galway had a very good win over Dublin and this also made for an enjoyable TV game, even if the 3 goals in the first half kind of killed the game as a contest. The goals themselves were great as they just sliced the Dublin defence open and one of them was a very well taken penalty. Dublin to their credit did not give up but it was just too big of a mountain to climb.

• Derry had a very comfortable home win against Westmeath, but that was expected.
  

Division 2

• Laois had a bit of a surprise win in Armagh and this result will do them a world of good.

• And again in a bit of a shock, Fermanagh won down in Meath albeit by a single point. Fermanagh are a very hard-working and likeable team who always seem to put in maximum effort and it paid off greatly for them here.

• There was a draw between Kildare and Cork, a very enjoyable one it seems based of the reports. Although Cork will probably be relieved with a point, deep down they know that this is a game they probably should have won.

• Monaghan had a very good win at home to Wexford, racking in a huge score in the process.

Division 3

• Down enjoyed a very tight win over Louth to go top of the table at this early stage. Down are probably favourites to take this league.

• Limerick beat Roscommon with the very last kick of the match, which just goes to show that you have to concentrate right to the very end.

• Cavan endured a very disappointing loss at home to Tipperary.

• Offaly also needed a last-minute point but it could only snatch a draw at home to Longford. Offaly will rue that they missed a penalty though, it could have saved them all sorts of problems and would have helped them win.

Division 4

• Antrim had a good home win over Clare in the Saturday night match.

• Sligo had a massive win over Leitrim in a game that really should have been a lot closer given these two sides are round about the same level.

• Waterford easily beat Kilkenny in what must have been a bizarre match as both these counties prefer hurling.

• Carlow had an expected home win against London.

• Wicklow had the weekend off.