The line-up for the Cardinal O'Donnell Cup semi-finals were confirmed after the final round of league matches on Saturday night and will see holders Nh Mairtin travel to take on Dreadnots, while senior champions, Newtown Blues, will host Mattock Rangers.

At the other end of the table, the relegation of Dundalk Gaels was confirmed, while Geraldines live to fight another day after booking a place in the relegation play-off.

Table-toppers Newtown Blues completed their impressive league campaign with a 3-6 to 2-7 victory over Dundalk Gaels thanks to a strong second half showing at Newfoundwell.

The Dundalk side needed victory to have any hope of avoiding automatic relegation and they were in a good position at the break as goals from Eanna McArdle and Ger McSorley (penalty) had them leading by 2-4 to 0-2.

However, the Blues picked up the pace in the second half and goals from Hugh McGinn (2) and Ross Nally saw them hit back to record a two-point victory. The result means that the Gaels will be playing in Division 2 next season.

Dreadnots completed their league progamme with a comfortable 2-14 to 0-9 win over St Brides at Knockbridge.

With St. Brides already secure in senior football for next season and Dreadnots already guaranteed a 'Top 4' semi-final spot it meant this tie at Knockbridge was just a formality.

A goal from Pauric Smith after just 20 seconds had the Clogherhead men in front before a second goal from Anthony Lynch helped them to a 2-8 to 0-3 lead at the break.

The Brides never looked capable of mounting a comeback in the second period despite points from Sean Marry and Paddy Reilly as the visitors cruised home.

Mattock Rangers finished the season in third place despite losing out to Geraldines on a 0-12 to 0-9 scoreline, a result that helped the Haggardstown side to secure a place in the relegation play-off.

The first half at McGeough Park was a closely contested affair with Stephen Reidy and Shane Rogers among the points for the Gers. However, David Reid kept Mattock in touch as the teams went in level at seven points apiece.

With more to play for, the Gers had the better of the second half and late points from Jim McEneaney, Conor Rafferty and James Craven saw them clinch victory.

Reigning champions, Nh Mairtin, claimed the final place in the semi-finals with a
2-18 to 2-8 victory over a Clan na Gael side at Monasterboice.

The Dundalk men knew that victory would have put them in the top four and they gave themselves a great chance with first half goals from Billy Smith and Micheal McDonald. However, the Mairtins kept in touch with two goals from Stephen Campbell before a late points from Sam Mulroy had them leading by 2-7 to 2-6 at half time.

The Clans challenge faded in the second period as the home side began to dominate and points from Mulroy and Wayne Campbell helped complete the ten- point win.

Meanwhile, Cooley Kickhams completed their season on a positive note when they recorded a 3-9 to 0-8 win over neighbours St Patricks at Fr McEvoy Park.

It wasn't looking too positive for the home side at the end of the first half as the Pats had built up a 0-6 to 0-2 lead with Gavin Gregory kicking three points.

However, Cooley were the dominant force in the second half and they were rewarded with a comfortable win thanks to goals from James O'Reilly, Emmet Rogan and Brian White.

In the remaining game in Division 1 St Marys recorded a 2-10 to 1-6 win over Sean O'Mahonys.

Cian Commins and substitute Paudy Clarke were the goalscorers for the Ardee men they ran out seven-point winners.

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