NFL round-up:Down and Mayo shook off the cobwebs after the winter break as the National Football League cranked into action across the country this evening. Mayo's impressive six-point win in Laois sent them straight to the top of the Division One standings alongside Kerry.
Mayo were sluggish enough in the early exchanges but an Andrew Freeman goal sparked the Connacht side into life and gave them a narrow 1-4 to 0-6 lead at the interval.
Laois could only muster two more scores in the second half while Mayo, with Conor Mortimer leading by example, were never likely to be caught running out 1-11 to 0-8 winners.
In Newry, Down got one over their Ulster rivals with a hard-fought 1-10 to 1-9 success against Donegal. Dermot Molloy had the chance to claim a share of the spoils but his free at the death missed the target as Jim McGuinness’s side left empty handed.
Meath hit the ground running in Division Two with a free-scoring 1-15 to 1-9 win over Monaghan. The Royals survived the dismissal of Paddy Gilsenan, who picked up two yellow cards, with Shane McAnarney sealing the win with a second half goal.
Meanwhile, Derry’s James Conway will be available for tomorrow’s meeting with Galway after winning his appeal against the red card he received in the McKenna Cup final.
Conway used video evidence at a hearing of the Ulster Council last Friday night where the red card was rescinded.
Divison One results
Dublin 0-11 Kerry 1-14
Laois 0-8 Mayo 1-11
Down 1-10 Donegal 1-9
Division Two
Kildare 0-12 Tyrone 2-11
Meath 1-15 Monaghan 1-9
Division Three
Antrim 0-13 Sligo 0-12