Red cards mar Dublin's promotion

GAA Football round-up: Dublin weathered a late fightback from Meath to secure promotion to the national football league division one, but the game will be remembered more for the five red cards shown by referee Paddy Russell in the first half at Parnell Park.

Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton was the only man to stay out of a 29-man brawl in the opening minutes that led to the dismissal of two players from each team.

Meath's Niall McKeigue and Shane McAnarney were given their marching orders along with Dublin's Paddy Andrews and Bernard Brogan.

Ciaran Whelan was sent off soon afterwards for punching Meath's Seamus Kenny and the former Dubs captain then had a beverage thrown in his direction when leaving the field.

The numerical advantage never really showed for Meath, however, as 12-man Dublin went in at the break one point up with five to show for their efforts.

Colm Moran and Mossy Quinn extended Dublin's advantage early in the second half but just when it looked wrapped up with seven point lead, two quick fire goals from Meath set up a frantic finish.

Kenny hit the net minutes after John Sheridan did the same and a point from Peadar Byrne levelled the scores.

Dublin manager Paul Caffrey then introduced Mark Vaughan in place of Quinn and then free-kick specialist sealed the win and promotion at the death.

Speaking after the game Caffrey said: "There's great respect between Dublin and Meath and that will still continue. Incidents happen in football and matches and Paddy Russell had a job to do and he did it.  We stand by his decisions.

"It's not what we wanted to see but there was a great game of football played also."

Dublin will be joined in division one by Westmeath who narrowly edged out Monaghan and by two points on a scoreline of 0-11 to 1-10.

With nothing at stake Cork held Armagh to a draw in Crossmaglen, while Roscommon beat Cavan 2-13 to 1-15. Both had already been relegated.

In division three Wexford and Fermanagh ensured promotion with wins over Louth and Down respectively. Sligo go in the opposite direction after defeat to Longford in Pearse Park and they will be joined by Leitrim after Limerick clung on to safety with a win in Kilmallock.

Taking their place will be Offaly and Tipperary after the latter beat Wicklow in Ardfinnan and ANtrim were beaten by Waterford in Casement Park.