Two late Sarah Rowe goals preserved Mayo's 100 per cent record in Division One yesterday as they made it seven wins from seven outings this year.
Mayo concluded their group campaign on top of the pile on a day when the Cork-Armagh tie was postponed due to poor weather conditions.
Mayo defeated Monaghan 2-11 to 1-9 in Ballina, with that late brace from Rowe getting the job done. Mayo led by 0-9 to 0-3 at half-time but a fine goal from Monaghan's Therese Scott helped them draw level at 1-7 to 0-10 and they were two points clear before Rowe's crucial first goal edged Mayo 1-10 to 1-9 ahead.
Rowe’s second goal put some daylight between the sides and a late free from Cora Staunton made the game safe.
At Parnell Park, Galway beat Dublin 4-12 to 1-14 to ensure that four teams are now locked together on 12 points, nine behind Mayo.
At half-time, Galway were 3-6 to 1-7 clear of hosts Dublin, with Róisín Leonard hitting a remarkable 2-5 in the first half alone, including four pointed frees. Megan Glynn also netted for Galway as Dublin's Sinead Aherne scored 1-1, including a penalty goal.
By full-time, Leonard had taken her match tally to 2-9, eight of her points from frees, and Maireád Seoighe scored the fourth goal for the visitors.
Aherne finished with a personal haul of 1-8 for Dublin, whose scoring difference should ensure they make the semi-finals.
In yesterday’s other Division One fixture, Kerry enjoyed a massive 7-22 to 0-8 victory against relegated Tyrone at Fitzgerald Stadium.
Ulster derby
Laura Rogers
,
Anna Galvin
and
Sarah Houlihan
scored Kerry’s goals as the Kingdom led by 3-13 to 0-3 at half-time.
The second half continued in a similar vein with further goals from Megan O'Connell, Amanda Brosnan, Kate O'Sullivan and Caoimhe O'Sullivan.
In Division Two, Amber Barrett and Geraldine McLaughlin got the goals as Donegal won the big Ulster derby against Cavan 2-7 to 1-2. Donegal led 2-3 to 0-1 at half-time and while Cavan Caitríona Smith netted for the visitors, there was no way back.
Laois, Westmeath and Kildare were also victorious in their Division Two fixtures while in Division Three, there were wins for Waterford, Tipperary, Wexford and Down.