Kildare, Longford, Sligo, Tipperary all claimed home wins in Division 3 of the Allianz Football League this afternoon.
In testing weather conditions, Kildare were relatively comfortable as they registered a 1-12 to 1-08 win over neighbours Offaly at St Conleth’s Park.
The hosts led throughout and held a 0-05 to 0-00 lead after 15 minutes, with former Bohemians FC defender Kevin Feely handing the Lilywhites a five-point advantage with a well-taken point on his senior inter-county debut.
Niall McNamee opened the Offaly account in the 20th minute but Kildare held a 0-08 to 0-04 interval lead, Niall Kelly finishing the half with four points.
Kildare kicked on after the restart with a Neil Flynn point, and their only goal from Cathal McNally in the 48th minute.
Offaly tried hard, with Peter Cunningham netting a late goal, but Kildare held out for their second win of the campaign, by a four-point margin.
Longford scored seven unanswered points in the closing 19 minutes to record a 0-13 to 1-08 home win over Limerick in a tight encounter at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.
The sides were level at 0-05 apiece at half-time. Limerick then pushed five-points clear in the second half before Longford stormed back.
Limerick failed to make full use of their strong wind assistance, with free-takers Ian Ryan and Brian Kavanagh providing most of the first half scores.
Liam Connerton and Ryan traded points on the restart, but points from Ryan and Peter Nash, and a 51st-minute Tom Lee goal helped Limerick to a 1-08 to 0-06 lead.
Longford battled back to level the tie with four minutes remaining, before scores from Kavanagh and Brian Farrell ensured a two-point win.
Sligo claimed a hard earned 1-11 to 1-10 win over Westmeath at Markievicz Park, holding off a strong comeback by the visitors to claim victory
In a tight encounter Sligo led by 0-08 to 1-04 at half-time, Ger Egan netting a penalty goal for Westmeath.
Sligo led by 1-11 to 1-08 entering the final 15 minutes, and though John Heslin cut the gap, the Connacht side held out for victory.
Tipperary ensured a clean sweep of home wins in the division with a 2-07 to 1-07 win over Clare at Sean Treacy Park.
Tipperary led by 1-04 to 0-04 at half-time after Conor Sweeney netted a first minute goal.
Clare levelled the tie at 1-07 apiece with nine minutes remaining, thanks to a Jamie Malone goal, but Brian Fox raised a green flag with eight minutes remaining to ensure a home victory.
