Cup encounter gives relegated Cill Dara shot at redemption

Boyne were presented with the Eddie Egan trophy for winning Division 1A by Branch President Kevin Fitzpatrick at a carnival atmosphere in Shamrock Lodge after their 41-25 win at home against Cill Dara, a result that sent the Kildare town club down.

Cill Dara's defeat meant that Co Carlow's 19-3 home victory vaulted the Oak Park club into the relegation play-off position where they are likely to face former AIL foe Monkstown.

Monkstown need one more point in their final Division 1B game at home to already-relegated West Offaly Lions on Sunday week to qualify for that play-off, while New Ross's relegation was confirmed when they lost 31-8 at home to Tullow.

Portarlington will finish seventh after their 20-17 loss in Portlaoise and now have to play-off with the third-placed team in Division 2 to determine their status next season.

Mullingar have been relegated from Division 2 after losing 31-7 at home against Kilkenny while Clane's 14-13 win at second-placed Clondalkin has muddied the waters at the top of the table.

Longford enjoy a seven-point lead with two games remaining while Ashbourne trail Clondalkin by a point with Clane a further four back.

North Kildare won promotion from Division 3 Section "A" with a 31-17 home victory over leaders Malahide, a win that ensures that the title race will go down to the final round of games.

At the other end of the table Railway Union finished last after losing to IT Carlow and they will now play-off with the winner of Section "B" to decide who plays in Division 2B next season.

Swords are favourites for that play-off as they need one win from their final two games to ensure winning Section "B".

The second round of the Newstalk Provincial Towns Cup gets under way tomorrow in an unusual venue, Lakelands Park.

The home of Terenure College is hosting the Newbridge v Arklow tie at 1pm as Newbridge have conceded home advantage in order to avoid a clash with the Newbridge College v St Michael's JCT semi-final the following day.

The remaining seven ties are down for decision at 3pm on Sunday with the draw for the quarter-finals taking place in Holmpatrick immediately after the Skerries v Portlaoise game.

Dundalk host Cill Dara, while Boyne is the venue as the Leinster League winners welcome newcomers West Offaly Lions.

Co Carlow are at home to Portarlington, Ashbourne entertain Tullamore, Longford tackle Tullow while in the final game Wicklow, fresh off a 27-14 home League win against Garda, travel to Mullingar.