Before this year's National Football League began, we went out on a limb to predict the relegations and promotions from each division. We're pretty satisfied with how we got on but judge for yourself:
Division 1
Relegation: We went with
Cork and Derry
Relegation: Who actually went down
Tyrone and Derry
We got it wrong with regard to Cork. Badly wrong. They've done very well this campaign and in hindsight we never should have doubted their pedigree.
Division 2
Promotion: We went with
Kildare and Roscommon with Cavan as the outside bet
Promotion: Who actually went up
Down and Roscommon
Look it, I doubt anyone could have predicted Kildare's league performance but we'll admit we failed all of you badly in this call. Roscommon were deservedly promoted, although I think Down will really struggle in the top tier next year. But for a few moments - such as Kildare's late capitulation against the Mournemen - promotion could have easily been any combination of the top five teams in the division.
Relegation: We went with
Laois and Westmeath
Relegation: Who actually went down
Kildare and Westmeath
Westmeath went down fairly quietly. aside from manager, Tom Cribbin's rant about some of the players, while Laois improved as the league went on. Their comeback against Meath would hugely important in the long; both for their survival and Meath's failure to secure promotion.
Division 3
Promotion: Who we went with
Armagh and Tipperary with Fermanagh as the outside bet
Promotion: Who actually went up
Armagh and Fermanagh
You heard it here first, Fermanagh were the surprise package of this year's league. They were 11/1 to win division three when we first mentioned them. They're now in with a fighting chance but will be delighted with promotion regardless of whether they beat Armagh on 25 April.
Relegation: We went with
Louth and Limerick
Relegation: Who actually went down
Louth and Wexford
Only two points separated 4th and 8th in the division and I doubt either Wexford or Louth were too pleased with the fact Clare and Sligo got somewhat easy rides against Armagh and Fermanagh on the last day to secure their division three status.
Division 4
Promotion: Who we went with
Longford and Offaly with Carlow as the outside bet
Promotion: Who actually went up
Longford and Offaly
Longford's promotion was never in doubt but it all could have been different regarding second had Carlow held on when beating Offaly with a minute of normal time to go a few weeks ago. Their campaign quickly unraveled after that while Offaly powered on to secure second spot.
