GAA: Waterford relegated to Division 1B after defeat to Tipperary

Michael Bolton

A third consecutive defeat has delivered Waterford straight back to Division 1B of the National Hurling League.

Goals from John McGrath and Gearoid O'Connor helped the All-Ireland champions Tipperary to overcome the Déise by 2-24 to 1-23.

Tipperary boss Liam Cahill has said that their focus now turns to getting ready for the Munster Championship.

Meanwhile, earlier, Roscommon kept alive their chances of reaching the Division One final with a 2-20 to 0-20 win over Donegal at Dr Hyde Park.

In difficult conditions, Roscommon had a lead of 1-13 to 0-5 at half-time, with Diarmuid Murtagh scoring their opening goal, as he scored 1-4 in the game.

With the wind in the second half, Donegal closed the gap to one point with eight minutes left in the second half.

Jason McGee, Shea Malone, and Michael Langan all scored two pointers for the Ulster champions as they chased down Roscommon.

However, Roscommon scored at vital moments, with Conor Hand scoring their second goal to secure victory.

Donegal remain top on nine points with Kerry in second, also on nine.

Mayo and Roscommon are both on eight, and face each other in Castlebar next Sunday.

In Division Two, Offaly are relegated after Cavan's late 2-20 to 3-15 win.

A late goal from Jack McEvoy looked to have given Offaly a late win, but late scores from Cavan ensured Offaly will be playing Division Three football next season.

The result also means Kildare drop into the bottom two, with one of them, Cavan, or Tyrone facing the drop.

In Division Three, Down have secured promotion after they defeated Sligo 2-25 to 0-21.

Patrick Havern scored 1-10 for the Ulster side, who have secured their final place with a game to spare.

Wexford's great season continues as they ran out 1-23 to 2-17 winners over Clare.

Sean Nolan, Mark Rossiter, and Páraic Hughes all scored five points each, as the Leinster side sits in second place and in a great position to be promoted.

Also hoping to join Down is Westmeath, who defeated Limerick 4-21 to 3-8.

Luke Loughlin, Matthew Whittaker, Ronan Wallace, and Robert Forde all scored goals for Westmeath, who join Wexford on eight points, with Down on 12.