ALTHOUGH public attention from now on focuses most sharply on the National Football League play offs, the issues of promotion and relegation have the more enduring consequences for the counties involved. Playing in a stronger or weaker division can have a major bearing on team building and morale within a panel.

In that respect, a glance at the nearly finalised tables indicates a broad trend in the fortunes of certain teams. Five counties have maintained momentum by advancing for a second successive year. Derry, Donegal and Kerry reach the quarter finals again, whereas both Cavan and Monaghan are promoted, to Divisions One and Two respectively, for the second successive year. For Monaghan, it is particularly gratifying as they had spent the previous three years slipping through the four divisions.

The team with the most obvious reverse momentum is Down, who drop to Division Three, only a year after dropping from the top flight.

Five counties reverted to where they were last year. Clare, Westmeath and Sligo all drop back after only a year in, respectively, divisions one, two and three. From a more positive perspective, Mayo and probably Longford both bounce back after just a single year in divisions three and four.

Mayo's success gets this vote for the most impressive achievement of the League to date. John Maughan took over a demoralised set up which was particularly difficult in the context of the county's traditional expectations. In a strong division, Mayo won all their matches and regained a place in the relatively respectable environs of Division Two.

Considering that Connacht champions Galway made no impression and other provincial rivals Roscommon failed for the second year to be promoted, Mayo's quick exit gives them a psychological lift for the summer.

Conal Bonnar is expected to press strongly for a place in the Tipperary starting line up for Sunday's National Hurling League clash with All Ireland champions, Clare, at Thurles. Bonnar has not played in the league to date, but he has been training since January and could challenge for a place on Sunday. Pat Fox (calf muscle), Nicky English (leg infection), and Paul Delaney (rib injury) have all resumed training. Liam McGrath (broken wrist) is still unavailable.

Former All Star Mike Galligan is out of the Limerick team for Sunday's League game against Meath in Trim. His place goes to Brian Tobin.