With the the GAA National Football League concluding on Sunday afternoon, we now have a clearer idea as to who will be competing in the two tiers of the championship this summer. Kildare’s result this afternoon was particularly impactful in that regard.

Brian Flanagan’s side came into their game against Louth knowing that a victory was needed in order to have any chance of avoiding relegation to Division 3 for 2027. However, it quickly became apparent that such a result was unlikely.

Louth were the better side throughout, with some brilliant forward play from Sam Mulroy inspiring them to a victory.

48 nóim @KildareGAA 0-16 @louthgaa 0-22

Cad é mar scór dhá phointe faighte ag Sam Mulroy!😎

Too easy for Louth’s centre forward.

BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV 📺@AllianzIreland #AllianzLeagues #GAABeo pic.twitter.com/slWrtozwqg

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 22, 2026

Louth would eventually run out as winners on a scoreline of 1-25 to 0-25. Not only did this result condemn Kildare to relegation, but it also had a big impact on this summer’s All-Ireland series.

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Kildare Relegation Has Big Effect On All-Ireland Series

As last year’s Tailteann Cup winners, Kildare were guaranteed a place in this summer’s Sam Maguire competition regardless of their finishing position in this season’s league. However, the fact that they were relegated does impact the other teams in the competition.

As a result of Kildare’s relegation, the runner-ups in Division 3 will now play in the Tailteann Cup this summer (unless they reach a provincial final). Wexford would finish second in that division, beating out Westmeath for promotion after their dramatic victory over their promotion rivals this afternoon.

While that win has rewarded with promotion, it will not mean a place in the All-Ireland this summer.

The Lilywhites’ status as defending champions means that they will leapfrog the Division 3 runner-up in the rankings. Had another team apart from Kildare been relegated, Wexford would have competed for the Sam Maguire this summer.

This could yet change if Wexford (or any other county below them in the rankings) reach a provincial final over the coming weeks. However, it seems as though Kildare’s shortcomings will have a knock-on effect on their Leinster neighbours.

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