Live National League updates: Donegal beat Kerry in replay of All-Ireland final; Meath take on Cavan

Fixtures and Results

NFL Division 1: Donegal 1-22 Kerry 1-18 (FT), Mayo 1-18 Dublin 2-9 (FT), Roscommon 1-6 Monaghan 1-8 (HT)

NFL Division 2: Louth 1-12 Cork 1-17 (FT), Cavan vs Meath (3.45pm)

NHL Division 1A: Offaly 1-18 Tipperary 5-24 (FT), Waterford 1-21 Limerick 0-20 (FT)

NHL Divison 1B: Antrim 1-19 Clare 2-30 (FT), Down 0-25 Wexford 0-27 (FT)

LGFA Division 1: Kildare vs Armagh (2.00pm), Cork 1-10 Galway 2-5 (FT)

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Nearly over at Dr Hyde Park, where Roscommon are seven points to the good.

Full-time results -

NHL Division 1A: Offaly 1-18 Tipperary 5-24

Waterford 1-21 Limerick 0-20

NHL Division 1B: Down 0-25 Wexford 0-27

Waterford need the next score as Limerick sneak back into things. The game is getting wild in the middle third, but Limerick have a free in to level things. It’s a miss from Diarmaid Byrnes though, and Waterford score in the next play.

68 Mins: Waterford 1-18 Limerick 0-19

Down have got things back level against Wexford in Division 1B.

65 Mins: Down 0-25 Wexford 0-25

Diarmuid Murtagh sends over a two-pointer to keep Roscommon in a good lead.

58 Mins: Roscommon 3-12 Monaghan 1-13

Billy Nolan comes out of goals to send a massive free over the bar for Waterford.

61 Mins: Waterford 1-17 Limerick 0-17

And Gordon Manning brings news of Mayo’s win over Dublin:

‘A comfortable 1-18 to 2-9 win for Mayo in the end. Dublin played most of the second half with just 14 men after Seán MacMahon was red-carded following an off the ball incident in the 40th minute. Positive start to the year for Andy Moran with two wins from two while Ger Brennan is still waiting for his first league victory as Dubs boss.’

Ian O’Riodan sums things up after a good win for Cork against Louth:

‘An injury time goal may have brought a little more respect to the final score, but Louth still played catch up against Cork for most of the second half, ultimately losing their Division Two meeting in Drogheda 1-17 to 1-12.

The game finished in bright afternoon sunshine, only by then Louth were chasing shadows, Cork completing a dominant performance with Steven Sherlock, Sean McDonnell and Mark Cronin leading. It continues the winning start for Cork manager John Clearly, although that late goal may yet be telling in Louth’s scoring difference.’

Incredibly, Down have battled back against Wexford, only trailing by three with eight minutes and added time left.

62 Mins: Down 0-22 Wexford 0-25

In NFL Division 3, Westmeath lead Clare by three and Sligo lead Fermanagh by four, with just over 15 minutes to play in each.

Limerick won’t quite go away with Shane O’Brien replying with a point after Jamie Barron and Charlie Treen pointed for the Déise.

Here are the thoughts of Malachy Clerkin after Donegal beat the 2025 All-Ireland champions Kerry:

‘Full-Time: Donegal 1-22 Kerry 1-18. Donegal got out the gap in the end but they made harder work of it than they needed to. Kerry came with a late surge and brought the gap back to three in the final minute. But a breakaway score by Michael Murphy sealed the win. Donegal were the better side - as you’d expect with the number of front-line players they had available compared to Kerry. But with Sean O’Shea in outstanding form, Kerry fought to stay in the game and won’t be too downcast heading back south.’

Second half goals from Jason Forde and John McGrath have put the game beyond Offaly.

54 Mins: Offaly 1-12 Tipperary 4-18

Roscommon have raced back into the lead at Dr Hyde Park, with goals from Diarmuid Murtagh and Enda Smith.

Roscommon 3-11 Monaghan 1-10

Full-time NFL Division 1: Donegal 1-22 Kerry 1-18

Mayo 1-18 Dublin 2-9

Shane Bennett finishes a penalty for the hosts to go in front by three.

43 Mins: Waterford 1-11 Limerick 0-11

68 Mins: Goal for Kerry! Donagh O’Sullivan scrambles it home for the Kingdom! Two minutes left here.

Donegal 1-21 Kerry 1-18

Reuben Halloran’s free-in puts Waterford back in front at home. Then Gearóid Hegarty misses a goal chance for Limerick.

41 Mins: Waterford 0-11 Limerick 0-10

64 Mins: Donegal look happy to take their time from here, which is fair enough considering their advantage now.

Donegal 1-21 Kerry 0-18

Denis Walsh gives a half-time update at Waterford vs Limerick:

'Two Reuben Halloran frees in first half stoppage time gave Waterford a one point lead at the break against Limerick, 0-10 to 0-9. Having played with a fresh breeze Waterford will have wanted a much greater cushion, but they played with the kind of aggression and intensity that had been so badly missing in Cork a week ago. It was nip and tuck for most of the first half with the teams level on eight occasions. A terrific Shane Bennett point from about 90 metres gave Waterford an 0-8 to 0-6 lead early in the second quarter but they didn’t build on their short spell of dominance. A few minutes before the break Limerick lost their centre fielder Adam English to an injury.'

57 Mins: Can we not give two-pointers for every brilliant score? Seán O’Shea sells dummies to three Donegal backs and fires over, but it’s only enough for a one-pointer. Ó Baoill respons with a beauty of his own, and Shane O’Donnell does brilliantly to force O’Shea to overcarry and give Murphy a simple tap-over.

Donegal 1-20 Kerry 0-17

Two points in a row for Mayo, from Cian McHale and Jack Carney.

57 Mins: Mayo 1-14 Dublin 2-8

An update from Malachy Clerkin in Donegal:

'Donegal lead by seven in Ballyshannon with 20 minutes left on the clock. Duelling two-pointers - a couple each for Michael Langan and the exceptional Sean O’Shea - have been the highlight of the second half so far. But though Kerry are sticking at their task, Donegal are comfortable enough here. Dara Ó Baoill has continued his fine form of the opening half and Finbarr Roarty has three points from play. Also, MIchael Murphy has just come on to huge roars form the home crowd.'

And now Hugh McFadden has added another two-pointer.

Donegal 1-18 Kerry 0-13

Paddy Small’s goal and Cormac Costello’s two-pointer have put a bit of life back into things at McHale Park.

54 Mins: Mayo 1-14 Dublin 2-8

Cork stretch back into a seven point lead.

51 Mins: Louth 0-10 Cork 1-14

Half-time NFL Div 1: Roscommon 1-6 Monaghan 1-8

49 Mins: Joe O’Connor is stripped of the ball, and Donegal go on a patented Donegal counter-attack. Shane O’Donnell’s hand pass goes behind Ó Baoill, but some great improvisation sees him scoop the ball up and fire a point over on the spin.

Donegal 1-16 Kerry 0-12

A Jason Forde penalty has put Tipp into a good lead at O’Connor Park in Tullamore.

35 Mins: Offaly 1-10 Tipperary 2-12

Half-time NHL Div 1A: Waterford 0-9 Limerick 0-8

A long-range free puts the hosts one in front at the break.

43 Mins: A good score from Shea Malone puts eight between the sides. Then Seán O’SHea lands a big two-point-free.

Donegal 1-15 Kerry 0-12

Goal for Mayo! For the second week running Darragh Beirne slots home for Mayo, and they have a big lead now.

45 Mins: Mayo 1-11 Dublin 1-5

A couple of dead balls from Sam Mulroy brings Louth back in touch with Cork.

Louth 0-9 Cork 1-12

Full-time NHL Div 1B: Antrim 1-19 Clare 2-30

39 Mins: Donegal stretch their lead out again thanks to another two-pointer from Langan, and the Roarty finishes another move. They’re really playing some good stuff.

Donegal 1-14 Kerry 0-8

Red card for Dublin! Seán MacMahon is sent to the line for the visitors.

40 Mins: Mayo 0-11 Dublin 1-5

Honours still even in Walsh Park, as Limerick reel the hosts back in with back-to-back points.

30 Mins: Waterford 0-8 Limerick 0-8

35 Mins: We’ve just thrown back in in Ballyshannon, and Michael Langan starts the half by throwing over a two-pointer without breaking a sweat.

Donegal 1-11 Kerry 0-8

Monaghan have snuck in front at Dr Hyde Park thanks to Michael Bannigan’s point. Enda Smith beat the ‘keeper for the hosts, after Louis Kelly hit the net for Monaghan.

21 Mins: Roscommon 1-5 Monaghan 1-6

Some good stuff from Wexford so far, as they take a decent lead in Ulster.

22 Mins: Down 0-7 Wexford 0-16

Offaly are putting it up to the All-Ireland champions at home so far, a close game. Their goal came from Brian Duignan, while Paddy McCormack hit the net for Tipp.

Offaly 1-6 Tipperary 1-9

Ten minutes left in Antrim, and Clare’s lead is unassailable.

61 Mins: Antrim 1-14 Clare 2-22

After a really poor performance in Cork last week, Waterford have made a decent start at home. All even between the sides after 20 minutes.

20 Mins: Waterford 0-6 Limerick 0-6

And Ian O’Riordan sheds some light on what’s happening in Louth, as Cork take a big lead at half-time.

'An early Division Two showdown between Louth and Cork in Drogheda, two of the main contenders, hasn’t yet proved as ultra-competitive as some predicted. Thanks in part of a sweetly finished goal by Chris Og Jones, Cork are up 1-10 to 0-5 at half-time, Louth’s own scoring falling well short of desired.Up 0-3 to 0-5 after 20 minutes, Jones then netted for Cork from close range, and John Cleary’s team have dominated from there. Steven Sherlock added a two-point free, Brian Hurley adding another two-pointer from play, that one gifted from a poor Louth kick-out. Louth have also shot eight wides, and will some require Sam Mulroy magic to bring them back into this one.’

A half-time update from Gordon Manning at McHale Park:

‘Mayo lead 0-10 to 1-5 at half-time in Castlebar. Luke Breathnach netted early for Dublin while Mayo – wearing throwback commemorative jerseys – had two goal chances foiled by Evan Comerford during the opening period. Ryan O’Donoghue and Eoin Murchan are enjoying a good tussle. Dublin boss Ger Brennan has already made three subs, including their starting midfield making way. Dunne, Howard, McGinnis out; Kilkenny, Stephenson, Bugler in.’

A half-time update from Malachy Clerkin in Donegal:

‘Half-time: Donegal 1-9 Kerry 0-8. A smartly-taken goal by Daire Ó Baoill five minutes before the break has put Donegal in the box seat in Ballyshannon. Up until just short of the half-hour mark, Kerry were matching them stride-for-stride but when Ó Baoill found himself in a world of space on 20 metres from goal, all that was left was for him to round Shane Murphy and slot home. Donegal have the wind in the second half - big task on Kerry’s hands now.’

In McHale Park, Mayo lead by two at half-time, while Roscommon lead Monaghan by a point in the later throw-in in Division 1.

Half-time: Donegal 1-9 Kerry 0-8

A late score from Peadar Mogan puts Donegal into a four-point lead at the half. Some finish to the half from Jim McGuinness’s men.

32 Mins: Goal for Donegal! Daire Ó Baoill raises a green flag just minutes after getting treated for injury. Maybe that’s why he’s all on his own in front of goal, as he receives the ball, steps around Shane Murphy and slots it home.

Donegal 1-8 Kerry 0-8

Clare have stretched their lead to 11 in their Division 1B clash.

44 Mins: Antrim 0-10 Clare 1-18

Mayo still lead by two, with Fergal Boland and Stephen Coen the latest scorers, along with a Paddy Small response.

28 Mins: Mayo 0-9 Dublin 1-4

28 Mins: Kerry increase their lead to two, but Daire Ó Baoill leads the charge as Donegal nearly scramble a goal at the other end. It ends up in a 45, with a brilliant save from Shane Murphy.

Donegal 0-6 Kerry 0-8

From Malachy Clerkin: Kerry faring just fine here in Ballyshannon without David Clifford, leading 0-8 to 0-7 after 28 minutes. Tony Brosnan has kicked two Clifford-worthy two-pointers and Seán O’Shea has been money from distance as well. Kerry have a breeze at their backs, making long-range shooting a mite easier, which could be good news for Donegal as the game wears on.

Denis Walsh is in Waterford for the all-Munster Division 1A hurling clash, which is just throwing in:

'After a week of torrential rain in Waterford, Walsh Park looks in terrific shape for the visit of Limerick. Waterford are still without the Ballygunner contingent but the return of Calum Lyons and Michael Kiely adds some experience and class to the starting 15 after last week’s 14 point hiding in Cork. Jack Fagan, though, has not recovered from the ankle injury he suffered in Páirc Uí Chaoimh and is replaced by Patrick Curran. Limerick line out as selected with Matthew Fitzgerald making his National League debut at corner-back, having played on the Limerick under-20s for the last two seasons.’

23 Mins: Another two-pointer from play for Tony Brosnan sneaks Kerry noses back in front.

Donegal 0-6 Kerry 0-7

Ciarán Kilkenny is on for Dublin in McHale Park as they trail Mayo.

Mayo 0-8 Dublin 1-3

Goal for Cork in Division 2. They’ve taken control of things early and Chris Óg Jones hits the net.

19 Mins: Louth 0-4 Cork 1-5

18 Mins: The clock stops as Seán O’Brien comes off, looking in some pain. Liam Smith replaces him.

Donegal 0-4 Kerry 0-5

17 Mins: Tony Brosnan is doing a fine job of filling in for David Clifford, elegantly curling a left footed two-pointer over the bar.

Donegal 0-4 Kerry 0-5

15 Mins: Ironic cheers in Ballyshannon, as Seán O’Shea misses a two-point-free, but it was from miles out to be fair to him. Daire O’Baoill chips over a score to put the hosts in front.

Donegal 0-4 Kerry 0-3

It’s all square in McHale Park, as a Ryan O’Donoghue two-pointer and a single point from Darragh Beirne bring Mayo back to a draw game.

Mayo 0-5 Dublin 1-2

11 Mins: A nice bit of handbags, as Kerry aren’t happy with a slightly awkward tackle that turns over Dylan Casey. Sean O’Shea landed a lovely shoulder on Ciaran Moore to put an end to the attack, before the pushing and shoving started. Roarty kicks his second to level things.

Donegal 0-3 Kerry 0-3

Half-time NHL Div 1B: Antrim 0-7 Clare 1-13

8 Mins: With no David Clifford, Tony Brosnan is on the left-footed frees. He curls his first one over perfectly to put the Kingdom in front. So far there’s a lot of lateral play from the hosts.

Donegal 0-2 Kerry 0-3

In Division 2, Louth and Cork are drawing after 5 minutes.

5 mins: Louth 0-1 Cork 0-1

6 Mins: Finbarr Roarty lifts the crowd with a great score, but a two-point-free from Sean O’Shea levels things.

Donegal 0-2 Kerry 0-2

Shane Meehan’s goal starts to put a meaningful difference between the side in Cushendall.

33 Mins: Antrim 0-5 Clare 1-12

A hectic start in McHale Park, as Sam Callinan and Fergal Boland land scores, before Luke Breathnach rattles the back of the net for the Dubs.

3 Mins: Mayo 0-2 Dublin 1-0

2 Mins: A sign of things to come possibly, as Tadgh Morley wrestles with his man on the floor in the half-back-line as the ball is thrown in. A lovely score from Conor O’Donnell off the left boot.

Donegal 0-1 Kerry 0-0

The national anthem is being sung in Ballyshannon now, so the spate of 1.30pm throw-ins (Donegal-Kerry, Mayo-Dublin, Louth-Cork) will be getting underway in just a moment.

Antrim are keeping in touch with Clare, but the Banner are showing some touches of class so far.

24 Mins: Antrim 0-5 Clare 0-9

With no live broadcast for Mayo vs Dublin, Gordon Manning is there to cover the old rivals’ latest match-up:

‘Clear blue skies above MacHale Park as the Mayo and Dublin players go through their respective warm-ups. There are changes to both teams: Mayo – Fergal Boland replaces Tommy Conroy in attack. Cian McHale has been added to the bench. Dublin – Cormac Costello replaces Con O’Callaghan in attack.’

Malachy Clerkin is at Fr Tierney Park for today’s major game, with less than fifteen minutes before throw-in:

‘A glorious winter afternoon in Ballyshannon for Donegal v Kerry, a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final. The sold-out crowd have had their dreams dashed ever so slightly by the news that David Clifford hasn’t made the trip. Oisin Gallen has been added to the Donegal bench. Throw-in at 1.30.’

Mark Rodgers has five points already, four from play, as Clare have made a good start in Antrim.

13 Mins: Antrim 0-3 Clare 0-7

For the first time in what feels like many years, the Limerick hurlers will start the year without being big favourites to lift the Liam McCarthy. Their upset loss to Dublin last year makes the Treaty County a bit of an unknown prospect in the year ahead.

[‘There’s no way of buttering it up. Limerick hurlers are back in the pack’]

The action is underway in Antrim, as the 2024 All-Ireland champions Clare take a small lead over the hosts.

6 Mins: Antrim 0-1 Clare 0-2

The early games are just about to get underway. Antrim host Clare in Division 1B in the major throw-in at 1pm.

After a slightly snippy Jim McGuinness came back at critics of Donegal’s performance in last year’s All-Ireland after the Dublin victory last week, Malachy Clerkin writes that Donegal minds will be set on getting back at the Kingdom this weekend.

[Jim McGuinness can sniff out disrespect in an instant, but chasing Kerry matters above all]

The (one) late throw-in today is the Division 2 clash between Meath and Cavan, a local derby that doesn’t happen too often. Meath’s star forward Jordan Morris has been back and forth between the two, playing for Cavan’s Kingscourt at club level, but for the Royals at county. Gordon Manning looks into the corner-forward’s ties on both sides of the border.

[Jordan Morris adds new chapter to storied Cavan-Meath rivalry]

Seán Moran thinks that Donegal will get a measure of revenge on Kerry this weekend following their All-Ireland final loss in July. You can find out why in his previews for the weekend’s action.

[NFL previews: Donegal primed for All-Ireland rematch as Kerry travel to Ballyshannon]

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