Kildare have been relegated to Division 2 of the National Football League after Derry 2-17 to 3-09 victory.
Brian McIver’s men will now contest a semi-final while the Lilywhites lick their wounds after yet another defeat.
Derry led 1-07 to 1-03 at half-time, with Caolan O’Byrne and Keith Cribbin swapping goals for either side.
Mark Lynch’s goal in the second half made it 2-09 to 1-03 in Derry’s favour as the hosts ran rampant.
Although goals from Eamonn Callaghan and Tommy Moolick ensured a strong finish for Jason Ryan’s side, Derry had long since taken their feet off the gas, knowing that victory was secure.
Elsewhere in Division 1, Cork and Tyrone produced a thrilling draw to rival Dublin and Mayo.
The match finished Cork 2-14 Tyrone 0-20 as the Rebels ensured their own semi-final spot, Paul Kerrigan and Colm O’Neill grabbing the two goals but Tyrone showing their dominance in terms of points.
Finally, Kerry preserved their Division One status by recording a 2-15 to 0-13 win over Westmeath at Mullingar.
Kerry’s win, coupled with Kildare’s defeat in Derry, means that Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s men are guaranteed Division One fare again next year. As for Westmeath, their sixth successive defeat confirms a quick return to the second flight.
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