Saturday was a big day of action in the Joe McDonagh Cup.
Two years after capturing the Christy Ring Cup, Meath have been sent back down to hurling's third tier. Laois saved their blushes in Páirc Tailteann by defeating the Royal County comfortably in the relegation decider.
In a woeful year for the county's hurlers, Eamonn Kelly's O'Moore men got into a losing habit that they just couldn't seem to reverse. Thankfully for them, with their necks on the chopping board, they stood up when it mattered most, winning out with 18 points to spare on a scoreline of 3-23 to 0-14.
https://twitter.com/CLGLaois/status/1005472619737616384
After a miserable campaign, Laois' win alone didn't guarantee them safety - they were still relying on an Antrim loss to Kerry to avoid a playoff with the winners of this year's Christy Ring Cup to stay alive, with the Joe McDonagh slimming down to five years next year.
The men of Laois will have breathed a collective sigh of relief when news filtered through that the Kingdom obliged, Fintan O'Connor's men defeating the Saffrons by two points.
https://twitter.com/AontroimGAA/status/1005473652014505985
Laois' victory over Antrim earlier in the year stood them in good stead with the head to head rule coming into play.
Antrim now face into a treacherous playoff to secure their status.
Considering Antrim were All-Ireland finalists in 1989, and consider themselves a strong hurling county, this must be considered as a serious blow for them.
In the other clash of the day, Carlow defeated Westmeath. This victory was Westmeath's first stumble in a competition where they had swept all before them up to now. Michael Ryan's side won't be too worried, however, because Carlow had more riding on this one.
Colm Bonner's men needed a result to ensure their place in the final.
https://twitter.com/Carlow_GAA/status/1005473935780139008
Carlow and Westmeath will meet in the final due to take place in the coming weeks, with a spot in the All-Ireland quarters on the line there.
That promises to be a cracker.
Here's how the table ended up.
Graphic Credit: @gaaleaguetables
