Tyrone suffered relegation from Division One of the Allianz Football League despite an impressive 2-20 to 1-16 win over Dublin on a dramatic day of action.
With Armagh hammering Derry 4-24 to 1-18 and Kerry always looking in control as they beat Galway 3-24 to 2-19, Tyrone were left hoping that Donegal could be their salvation by defeating Mayo.
The Castlebar contest proved a tense affair as Dara O Baoill had a late penalty chance to put Donegal ahead only to see his tame effort saved by Mayo keeper Colm Reape.
Had O Baoill converted the spot-kick Donegal would have moved 1-18 to 1-17 ahead but instead, Mayo went on triumph 1-18 to 1-16 as they not only survived the drop but also ended up qualifying for next weekend’s Division One decider where they will face the Kingdom.
Tyrone, alongside Armagh, ended up on seven points from their seven games which under normal circumstances would be sufficient to avoid relegation but the Red Hands drop to Division Two with both sides remarkably ending up with the same scoring difference of +7 – even though the Orchard men would have survived in any case by dint of the head-to-head after winning their round-two encounter.
More to follow.