Defending All-Ireland champions Armagh made no mistake in getting themselves back into the championship race today, as they beat Waterford 2-21 to 0-08.
Despite a spirited first half display, that saw them trail by just five points at the break, Waterford were unable to keep in touch with a rampant second half performance from Armagh who welcomed back captain Kieran McGeeney, Oisin McConville and Ronan Clarke from injury.
After taking the opening point in the second half, Waterford's task was made all the more difficult when Andy Hubbard conceded a penalty after taking down Stephen McDonald in the box.
Hubbard was dismissed for his second bookable offence before the ever reliable McConville converted from the spot. A demoralised Waterford could then only manage one more point after Hubbard departed.
McDonald himself added a second goal to kill of any lingering Waterford hopes after Paddy McKeever dropped a high ball in on top of the full forward line.
In Ulster, Down have progressed to the semi-finals of the the province's Senior Football Championship after a hard fought win over Monaghan at Casement Park.
A Michael Walsh goal a minute after the break was to prove the difference in the end despite Monaghan clawing back to within a point soon after.
In a competitive first half the two teams traded points until Anthony Rooney broke the routine in the 17th minute to put Monaghan two points ahead.
Further points from Michael Slowey and Thomas Freeman extended that lead to four points before John Lavery responded for Down.
The tit-for-tat scoring resumed once again as the sides went in 0-07 - 0-09 in favour of Monaghan, but Walsh's goal made all the difference at the start of the second period and with additional scores from Gregory McCartan and Ronan Murtagh reversing the deficit to win.
Meanwhile Mayo saw off neighbours Sligo in the Connacht Senior Football semi-final by 0-14 to 0-11.
Mayo will now face Galway in the final on July 6th.