Armagh remain unbeaten in Division One of the Allianz Football League, they meet fellow Ulster combatants Monaghan this weekend. Kerry, Donegal and Mayo will be watching closely, hoping for a slip up.
Armagh V Monaghan, Saturday 19th February, 5:30pm, Athletic Grounds
Armagh have looked impressive early on in the division, playing a very attractive style of football, they have been the pace setters thus far, Monaghan meanwhile have struggled managing a draw and defeat in their opening two games.
The hosts picked up a 2-14 to 0-14 point win over All Ireland Champions Tyrone last time out, a game that took the headlines because of five red cards coming within the final five minutes of the fixture.
Monaghan suffered a narrow 2-10 to 1-11 defeat at the hands of Mayo last time out, they brought it within a point by the 69th minute as Conor McManus had the white flag raised, they couldn’t work a score in injury time as they fell to defeat.
Dublin V Mayo, Saturday 19th February, 7:30pm, Croke Park
A repeat of many an AlI Ireland Final, as Dublin and Mayo meet under floodlights at headquarters this weekend. Dessie Farrels Dublin have struggled in their opening two games, a meeting with Mayo this weekend another stern challenge for the Dubs.
The six in a row All Ireland winners struggled in their last outing against Kerry in Tralee, suffering a 1-15 to 0-11 defeat. They managed to turn things around in the second half, but trailed by 13 points at the interval, Dean Rock looking impressive again.
Mayo left it late to secure victory over a tough Monaghan, finishing with a flurry for a 2-10 to 1-11 win. They trailed 1-8 to 1-7 at half time, Jason Doherty hammering home a second goal in the 51st minute, but it was Ryan O’Donoghue led the line for Mayo, managing 1-6 for the afternoon, his late point making it a two point victory.
Kerry V Donegal, Sunday 20th February, 1:45pm, Fitzgerald Stadium.
Jack O’Connor’s men impressed in their last showing in the Kingdom, they face off against Donegal in Killarney, a team that has caused them headaches in the past.
The Kingdom made up for a disappointing opening performance in Newbridge, with a 1-15 to 0-11 win over arch Rivals Dublin in Tralee. David Clifford again showing his class, while Sean O’Shea impressed back in the half forward line.
Donegal picked up their first win of the campaign, with a 2-11 to 1-9 scoreline over Kildare in Ballybofey last time out, Paddy McBrearty and Ryan McHugh both found the back of the net in the opening half, as they pulled out a 2-7 to 1-4 lead by the interval. They pushed on with three more points in a row after the restart, but wilted late in the second half, but did enough to hold on.
Tyrone V Kildare, Sunday 20th February, 3:45pm, O’Neills Healy Park Omagh
The All Ireland Champions have struggled in the league so far this year, they drew 0-9 a piece with Monaghan, while falling to a six point defeat last time out to Armagh, Kildare meanwhile are the opposite, playing exceptionally well against Kerry to earn a draw, but failed to perform last time out.
Tyrone had four players sent off at the end of their 2-14 to 0-14 point defeat to Armagh, they trailed 2-8 to 0-4 at half time, Cathal McShane was the key man for Tyrone getting seven points for the afternoon.
Kildare were unable to build on their performance against Kerry, falling to a 2-11 to 1-9 defeat to Donegal. Jimmy Hyland again impressed for the Lilywhites, kicking 1-4 all afternoon with the forward looking strong so far this year.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.