Kevin McLoughlin was an instrumental figure as Mayo defeated Monaghan at Elverys MacHale Park.
By Cian O'Connell
Mayo and Kerry set for decider
Acquiring a winning habit early is precisely what a new manager craves so James Horan and Peter Keane will be content with how the spring has unfolded.
Mayo have won five and Kerry six out of their seven Division One fixtures which represents a satisfying start.
That Mayo beat Monaghan in a high scoring encounter at Elverys MacHale Park on Sunday simply added to the feel good factor.
A typically passionate green and red crowd will travel to Croke Park next Sunday with equal measures of hope and expectation.
Horan's return as manager and the introduction of some promising players means Mayo are beginning to believe once more.
While 2018 ended in disappointment there has been a real willingness to embrace the League this year.
Mayo's purpose was evident in Castlebar as 11 different players landed scores when Monaghan were defeated.
It is unlikely to be so free flowing with a trophy at stake next weekend, but Kerry did what was required at Dr Hyde Park.
Sean O'Shea was sharp in attack, David Clifford made a welcome return, while Dara Moynihan also made an impact.
These players have excelled at GAA headquarters in colleges and minor fare. How will they fare in a League decider?
Meath's Cillian O'Sullivan signs autographs following Sunday's win over Fermanagh at Pairc Tailteann.
Meath make long awaited return to Division One
Fermanagh commenced brightly, but Meath responded to accomplish the mission that was set by Andy McEntee.
Since taking the Meath job McEntee has always spoken with passion and purpose about developing the Royals.
The place Meath really needed to be was in Division One and that is the canvas on which they will operate next year.
Six wins from seven matches confirms the form Meath are in - the loss occurred in unfortunate circumstances against Donegal.
Perhaps before that type of defeat would have been severely damagaing, but Meath ploughed on defiantly.
While James McEntee and Cillian O'Sullivan excelled in Navan at the weekend further signs of Meath's progression was available.
Mickey Newman's return to the inter-county arena has been an undoubted boost, while Bryan Menton and Barry Dardis occupied important roles.
Experience and emerging talent was summoned from the bench too as Graham Reilly and Darragh Campion made second half cameos for Meath, who are thrilled to secure Division One status.
Donegal will join them following an emphatic triumph over Kildare in Ballyshannon.
Relegated last year Donegal, gradually returning to full strength with Michael Murphy prominent, overcame some mid spring turbulence to earn promotion in style themselves too.
Mattie Donnelly impressed for Tyrone against Galway at Healy Park.
Encouraging stint for Tyrone
A win over Dublin is certain to put some confidence into the mind so Tyrone followed up that Croke Park success with another fine showing against Galway.
Kevin Walsh's charges had assumed a decent position, but Tyrone remained composed to claim a convincing victory.
Cathal McShane and Mattie Donnelly's relevance to Tyrone's two triumphs shouldn't be underestimated ensuring Mickey Harte's charges will enter the Championship optimistic.
Against Galway Michael McKernan, Kyle Coney, Darren McCurry, and Conal McCann were all summoned from the bench illustrating that Harte is constructing a healthy panel for the tough tussles which await.
Michael Cassidy's scores, Kieran McGeary's ability and Peter Harte's 1-3 were all key factors in another splendid Tyrone success.
Considering Tyrone were beaten in their opening two fixtures of the campaign and were only seconds away from losing a third to Roscommon the recent signs are pleasing.
Accumulating nine points in a highly competitive group highlights Tyrone's improvement as the spring moved on.
Cork manager Ronan McCarthy pictured at the Athletic Grounds on Sunday.
Setback for Cork, Tipperary, and Carlow
Considering the playing numbers in the county it is a significant blow for Cork to be relegated to Division Three.
Despite carving out a win over Armagh, Cork's early League problems means they will operate in Division Three next year.
Immediately Ronan McCarthy's thoughts will turn to being ready for the Munster Championship - with Tipperary also relegated from a competitive Division Two.
Clare produced a gritty display when they needed it most to beat Tipperary at Semple Stadium.
Injuries disturbed Tipperary, All Ireland semi-finalists in 2016, but the home defeats to Cork and Clare cost them dearly.
Carlow are another county, who have enjoyed some delightful days, especially in the past 18 months, but relegation from Division Three is a disappointment.
Offaly did enough to earn the spoils against Sligo and their earlier success over Carlow proved decisive.
In the closing stages at O'Moore Park Carlow rallied, but Laois refused to be denied.
Donie Kingston is an important player for Laois, who secured a second successive promotion.
Laois making strides under John Sugrue
As expected Division Three is proving to be edgy and exciting with one county truly satisfied: Laois.
A second successive promotion was chalked up by John Sugrue's team with results elsewhere favourable on Sunday.
Laois took care of their own business too overcoming Carlow to earn a place in the Allianz Football League Division Three Final.
There is sufficient ability and talent in Laois to become a solid force at Division Two level also.
Stephen Attride, Kieran Lillis, Evan O'Carroll, Paul Cahillane, and Donie Kingston all contributed for Laois, who once more overcame Carlow.
That is who they beat in the Division Four decider in 2019 and also in a Leinster Semi-Final.
Reaching the provincial showpiece and subsequently the last 12 of the All Ireland Championship represented an excellent first campaign for the highly regarded Sugrue.
In the second match of the current League Louth pounced for three goals when beating Laois, who have responded in impressive fashion. The Laois revival continues.
