Allianz NFL –Dublin and Tyrone permutation in battle for survival as Monaghan gets closer to safety

Dublin had an important win over Tyrone on Sunday afternoon. Dean Rock, Cormac Costello and Ciaran Kilkenny were all targets for Dubs, as Dessie Farrell’s side left Tyrone without a goal for 27 minutes at half-time in wet and windy Healy Park.

ublin remains bottom of Division One after five losses in their opening four, their worst league run since 1983/84.

Dublin host Donegal on Sunday before completing their league campaign traveling to Monaghan a week later. They have to win the last two games and hope that either Tyrone or Kildare lose one of the remaining two to stay in Division One.

Dublin hasn’t been relegated from the top tier since 1983/84, and they haven’t lost five games since the 1972/73 campaign. Relegation to a team that has won eight of the last eleven All-Irelands would have been unthinkable just a few weeks ago,

The current All-Ireland champions aren’t entirely safe either. Tyrone will host Mayo next Sunday before traveling south to meet Kerry who is currently top of the table. Tyrone must win their last two games to ensure survival, while three points would also be enough if Dublin drops points.

The last time the defending All-Ireland champions were relegated was in 2013, when Donegal finished 7th and were relegated to the Second Division.

Kildare also finds himself in the relegation battle. With three points from five games, the Lilywhites will also be safe if they win their last two games against Monaghan and Mayo. A win would be enough for Kildare if Dublin drops points, following the Lilywhites’ win over Dubs two weeks ago.

Monaghan clinched a crucial win today at Ballybofey against a strong Donegal team on Sunday. It was Donegal’s first home loss in 12 years. Andrew Woods’ first-half goal proved important as Séamus McEnaney’s side stretched out of the relegation zone. Monaghan will play First Division next year if they beat Kildare in Newbridge next Sunday.

At the bottom of the table, Kerry is in superb form under Jack O’Connor this year. They beat Mayo by one point on Saturday night, in their first home win over Mayo since 2009. Great Britain has four wins and one draw so far and will reach the tournament final. if they beat Armagh next Sunday.