DOWN WILL PLY their trade in Division 3 next season, despite defeating Tipperary by 2-11 to 1-11 in their final league game.

Goals from Sean Dornan and Donal O’Hare (penalty) handed the Ulster side the three-point win at Pairc Esler. Dornan’s goal arrived after 15 seconds and it helped Down to a 1-7 to 0-6 half-time lead.

Michael Quinlivan found the back of the net yet again in this campaign to bring the Premier level shortly after half-time, but O’Hara buried a late penalty to seal the win.

Meath survived in the second tier courtesy of a 1-12 to 0-7 win over already-relegated Louth.

Donal Lenihan bagged 1-1 in the closing stages to put some gloss on the scoreline as Louth were well in the game throughout.

Division 2 results

Down 2-11 Tipperary 1-11

Louth 0-07 Meath 1-12