Down Triumphs in Allianz FL D3 Final After Extra-Time Battle

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 29, 2026 9:03 AM ET

Down Triumphs in Allianz FL D3 Final After Extra-Time Battle

Down claimed the Allianz NFL Division Three title after a dramatic win at Croke Park. The final score was 0-21 to 0-18 after extra time.

Wexford held a three-point advantage with eight minutes remaining in normal time. Gavin Sheehan struck the woodwork with a near-certain goal soon after. Late scores by Céilum Doherty, Liam Kerr and Ryan McEvoy brought Down level and forced extra time.

In the added periods Down outscored Wexford 0-4 to 0-1. The extra-time battle ultimately decided the contest. The victory gives Down a second national title in three seasons.

Early exchanges and key incidents

Wexford began brightly and led 0-6 to 0-4. Their momentum followed promotion secured by Seán Ryan’s late winner against Westmeath the previous weekend.

Twelve minutes in, John McGeough was fouled and a black card was shown to Eoin Porter. Odhrán Murdock’s penalty was saved by the Wexford keeper. Murdock later scored a two-point from distance.

Pat Havern finished the half well. He ended the opening 30 minutes with 0-5. The interval score read Down 0-13, Wexford 0-10.

Second-half swing and late drama

Mark Rossiter hit two two-pointers to swing the game Wexford’s way. His scores helped the Model County lead 0-17 to 0-14.

Down then endured a 26-minute scoring drought. A misplaced kick-out contributed to Wexford extending their lead. Down produced three late scores to force extra time.

Extra time and decisive moments

Down stamped their control early in extra time. Daniel Guinness, Ruairí McCormack and Adam Crimmins hit vital points. Guinness was named man of the match for his influence on the game.

The Mourne side held on through the closing stages. They sealed promotion hopes and domestic momentum. This result should secure Down a place in the All-Ireland SFC.

Scorers

Down: Pat Havern 0-5 (2 frees), Odhrán Murdock 0-5 (1 two-pointer), Céilum Doherty 0-4.
Also for Down: Daniel Guinness 0-2, Mícheál Rooney 0-1, Liam Kerr 0-1, Ryan McEvoy 0-1, Adam Crimmins 0-1, Ruairí McCormack 0-1.
Wexford: Mark Rossiter 0-6 (2 two-pointers), Páiric Hughes 0-5 (1 two-pointer), Jack Higgins 0-2.
Also for Wexford: Liam Coleman 0-1, Niall Hughes 0-1, Seán Nolan 0-1, Dylan Furlong 0-1, Robbie Brooks 0-1.

Teams and substitutions

Down	Ronan Burns; Peter Fegan, Ryan McEvoy, Pierce Laverty; Ryan Magill, Shane Annett, Callum Rogers; Odhrán Murdock, Daniel Guinness; Patrick Brooks, Céilum Doherty, Mícheál Rooney; Adam Crimmins, Pat Havern, John McGeough.
Down subs	Patrick McCarthy (for Magill 44), Liam Kerr (for Guinness 47), Eamon Brown (for Rogers 52), Tom Close (for McGeough 61), Ruairí McCormack (for Brooks e/t), Ross Carr (for Havern 87).
Wexford	Darragh Brooks; Shane Doyle, Gavin Sheehan, Dylan Furlong; Liam O’Connor, Eoghan Nolan, Eoin Porter; Liam Coleman, Niall Hughes; Páiric Hughes, Cathal Kehoe, Jack Higgins; Seán Ryan, Mark Rossiter, Seán Nolan.
Wexford subs	Glen Malone (for Nolan 11), Cian Hughes (for Ryan 50), Michael Kinsella (for Rossiter 52-57 and for Nolan 61), Tom Byrne (for Kehoe 65), Robbie Brooks (for Páiric Hughes h/t e/t), Seán Barden (for Doyle 85), Donal Shanley (for Cian Hughes 87).
Referee	Thomas Murphy (Galway).

Down’s win at Croke Park ends their league campaign on a high. They now turn focus to the Ulster SFC opener versus Donegal in Letterkenny on April 26. Wexford face the prospect of another year in the Tailteann Cup despite their valiant performance.

Report by Paul Keane for Filmogaz.com. This match was an example of a true Allianz FL D3 Final and an intense extra-time battle that saw Down triumphs.