Today, The National League entered its second set of opening fixtures, with football in action across the country.
Roscommon took on Down at Dr Hyde Park in Division Two, with throw-in scheduled for 2pm in Roscommon as the Morunemen, freshly promoted from Division Three, take on last year’s Division One relegated Rossies.
Antrim host the Clare footballers at Corrigan Park in west Belfast in their opening Division Three fixture at 1pm with Andy McEntee’s side taking their first competitive plunge into the new FRC rule enhancements.
Down started off strong, knocking over four two-pointers in the first half and Pat Havern having a field day in front of the posts, finishing with 11 points to his name.
However, their five-point half-time lead wasn’t enough as Roscommon settled into the new environment under the FRC enhancements in the second half to run out seven point winners in the end at Dr Hyde Park.
Earlier in the day, Antrim won out against Clare in Division Three at Corrigan Park, with Fionn Nagle’s goal and Michael Byrne’s crucial save proving the difference between the two sides in the end.
Due to the effects of Storm Eowyn, Donegal’s trip to Kerry has been postponed, with fans having to wait for the return of Michael Murphy to the Tír Chonnaill fold.
Also, in action today were Westmeath v Louth (Division Two), Offaly v Sligo (Division Three) and Longford v Limerick (Division Four).
Wicklow v Waterford (Division Four) was called off due to an unplayable pitch in Wicklow.
Follow the blog below for all the action as the first round of fixtures in the Allianz Football Leagues comes to a close.