Dublin are in the Allianz Football League semi-finals after a pulsating 3-10 to 1-15 win over Tyrone at Healy Park.
The Dubs flew into a two-goal lead through James McCarthy and Jason Whelan inside 70 seconds, while another strike from Michael Darragh Macauley had Jim Gavin’s men 3-o4 to 0-07 to the good at the break.
The Red Hand fought back though and a Peter Harte penalty, as well as an equalising point from Mattie Donnelly, ensured that Dublin needed Diarmuid Connolly’s late point to snatch the win.
Kerry missed out on a spot in the last four as Cork triumphed in Tralee.
Although the Rebels were already assured of their place in the semis, they showed no mercy and won 2-18 to 1-11 in a superior display.
Goals from Paul Kerrigan and Colm O’Neill – one in either half – helped the Rebels to an impressive 10-point win in a match dominated by the superb play of full-forward Brian Hurley (0-8).
Mayo, similarly, were far too strong for Down and went home with a 2-12 to 1-07 win. James Horan’s side advance to the semi-finals after a performance inspired by Alan Freeman.
Finally, on a day that the legendary Lilywhite Johnny Doyle announced his retirement, Kildare whitewashed an abysmal Westmeath side 1-22 to 0-08.
Doyle cited family commitments as his reason to call it a day before the start of the Championship.
“I wish to announce my retirement from county football today. I make this decision very reluctantly but do so based on my family commitments,” he said in a statement.
“It has been a great privilege for me to have worn the Kildare jersey for the past 15 years and a wonderful honour to have soldiered with and against so many great players.”
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