Padraic Joyce cut a relieved figure after Galway retained their Allianz Football League Division 1 status and relegated Dublin.

The Connacht champions took advantage of Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne’s second half red card to record a 0-20 to 1-15 come-from-behind win in Salthill. As it turned out, Armagh’s home draw with Kerry meant they wouldn’t be relegated either way.

"It was a tough emotional day. We just focused on ourselves. We knew if we won the game, we were still in the division," the Galway manager told RTÉ.

"We were up against it at half-time there. Losing Sean (Kelly) and Mattie (Tierney) in the first half, and missing a penalty before half-time. But the lads showed unbelievable character and great grit, which is in this group the last while. To eke out the win at the end is great for us.

"It's important for every county to survive. I think more so for us. We had four or five lads playing Connacht league football that only came into us last November for the first time. And they end up playing five or six league games up front for us.

"It's very important to stay there for development. Far better games and bigger crowds, so it's important."

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