Magheracloone survive as Cremartin relegated

Colm Shalvey

The only relegation place has been decided in the Greenfield Foods Monaghan SFC, but there is still some sorting out to do in the Intermediate grade.

Magheracloone secured their Senior status for 2027 with a comfortable win over Cremartin in Aughnamullen on Sunday.

They had much the better of the opening 20 minutes, but after a lengthy delay due to an unfortunate collision between Magheracloone forward Allan Kieran and Cremartin keeper Oisín Branigan, the Shamrocks hit 1-3 without reply to lead by 1-7 to 0-9 at the break, helped by a Stephen Mooney two-pointer.

Magheracloone regrouped to dominate the second half, with goals from Kian Duffy, Paudie McMahon and Barry Kieran leading them to a comprehensive victory, which sends Cremartin down to Intermediate next season.

The last place in the second tier will boil down to a second meeting between Éire Óg and Tyholland after the Smithborough side won their first play-off in Clontibret.

A James Morrow penalty save stopped a late charge from Tyholland, who had come from ten points down to cut their deficit to three.

Éire Óg are not yet safe, though, as their loss in the IFL Relegation Final earlier this season means they will have to defeat Tyholland once again to avoid a quick return to Junior.