Roscommon have been relegated to Allianz football league division two following a 2-19 to 1-9 defeat to Derry at Celtic Park.
Roscommon finished level on points with Galway who suffered a 0-15 to 1-10 defeat to Kerry. The Tribesmen survived due to a superior scoring difference.
Just three points separated Derry and Roscommon at the break before a dominant second-half display saw the hosts emerge victorious.
Derry were sharper during the opening stages. Declan Cassidy’s goal nine minutes in helped Mickey Harte’s men lead 1-2 to 0-1.
Roscommon replied within 60 seconds. Donie Smith finished to the net and suddenly, it was back to a one-point game.
Daire Cregg gave Roscommon a one-point lead on 22 minutes. Derry responded impressively with three scores in succession.
Points from Lachlan Murray, Shane McGuigan and Ethan Doherty saw the hosts lead 1-8 to 1-5 at half-time.
Derry showed plenty of urgency after the restart. Two scores from Diarmuid Murtagh and one from Enda Smith saw Davy Burke’s men restore parity.
Derry subsequently found another gear. After landing seven points on the trot, Lachlan Murray finished to the net on 63 minutes making it a ten-point game.
Conor Cox replied for Roscommon 60 second later before four unanswered points sealed a comfortable win for Derry.
Derry finished top of division one and will play second-placed Dublin in the decider. Where, Roscommon finish in seventh place and will play division two football in 2025. The Rossies also finish outside an automatic qualifying place for the All-Ireland championship.
