Points from Michael Mc Namee and Malachy Macken in the 70th and 73rd minuntes following a priceless Des Macken goal gave Armagh's second string a surprising but thoroughly well earned victory over a disappointing Down side in the McKenna cup.
Despite playing against the wind three first half goals from Anthony Devlin, Ronan Murtagh and a gem from Dan Gordon gave Paddy O'Rourke's Down a flattering lead at half time on a 3-02 to 0-07 scoreline. However, a brilliant second half Armagh performance led by left half back Barry Shannon set up Armagh for a shock win.
Tyrone beat Fermanagh 1-13 to 1-11 in Enniskillen. Corner forward Ramie Gallagher finished as the game Fermangh's top scorer with a goal and three points, 1-1 of which came in the first half. Mark Harte the son of boss Mickey Harte was top of the scoring charts for Tyrone he found the net from the penalty spot right after the break and also kicked four points.
In the O'Byrne Cup, Wexford got the better of Offaly, beating them 2-11 to 1-10, despite trailing by seven points at the break. Goals by John Hegarty from a penalty and Mattie Forde paved the way for a semi-final meeting with either Meath or Louth.
In Tallaght, Dublin overcame the challenge of Wicklow. A wonderful performance from corner forward Thomas Quinn and a powerful display from Raheny native Ciaran Whelan powered Dublin to a 1-09 to 0-05 victory. Quinn kicked five points over the hour, four from frees to push Dublin 5 points to four ahead at the interval. Wicklow with the aid of the breeze in the first half fought hard to stay in the game. Wayne O'Gorman, Anthony Nolan and the lively Tommy Gill all kicked good points in that period.
Just before half time the Wicklow men were awarded a penalty but Wayne O'Gorman's effort went past Stephen Cluxton's goal post and wide. The second half was all Dublin. Whelan and Darren Homan dominated midfield with Declan O'Mahony landing the only goal of the game after 10 minutes.
RESULTS OF THE DAY
O'Byrne CupKildare 1-11 Westmeath 0-13
Wexford 2-11 Offaly 1-10Dublin 1-09 Wicklow 0-05
Dr McKenna Cup, Preliminary Round
Fermanagh 1-13 Tyrone 1-11
Dr McKenna Cup, First RoundArmagh 1-15 Down 3-07 Cavan 1-13 Donegal 2-09
FBD Connacht LeagueMayo 3-11 NUIG 2-10 GMIT 2-13 Leitrim 2-12 Galway 1-13 Sligo IT 0-09
Filed by Rob Wright
