Limerick and Westmeath are the only unbeaten teams in Division 3 after the first two rounds of games. Last time out Limerick had a fine win away to Antrim while a strong second half performance helped Westmeath defeat Laois.
The big game this weekend is the Midlands derby between Westmeath and Longford at TEG Cusack Park on Sunday. Westmeath hope to continue their winning ways while Longford hope to add to the point they picked up against Louth.
Antrim v Wicklow, Saturday February 19th, 2pm, Corrigan Park
Antrim made a winning start to Division 3 with a good win against Fermanagh but a slow start in their meeting with Limerick saw them lose by four points.
Wicklow came from eight points down at the break to earn a draw against Fermanagh in their previous game. Oisin McGraynor’s free at the end saw Colin Kelly’s side register their first point of the campaign.
Things are tight in Division 3 with three points just separating top from bottom and every point is valuable. Antrim will want to bounce back from their disappointing defeat to the Treaty County while Wicklow will be happy with the manner in which they fought back against Fermanagh.
Fermanagh v Laois – ** POSTPONED **
Both sides will be disappointed with their second half performances in their previous games. Fermanagh let an eight point half-time lead slip against Wicklow while Laois held a slender lead at the break against Westmeath they were poor in the second half.
The draw against Wicklow was Fermanagh’s first point of the campaign and they’ll want to build on that. They were wasteful in their opening game against Antrim and will need to put away their chances if they are to get something out of this game.
Laois will want to get back to winning ways following the defeat to Westmeath. They will need to adapt to weather conditions too; that’s how they came undone against the Lake County.
Westmeath v Longford, ** GAME POSTPONED **
Westmeath will be hoping to make it 3 wins from 3 when they take on near neighbours Longford in Mullingar on Sunday.
Jack Cooney’s side put in a strong second half performance to defeat Laois last time out. Westmeath are a physically strong team and this is an advantage in a competitive division.
Longford will be disappointed not to claim a win against Louth in their previous game. They looked to have held on but were denied right at the end. Manager Billy O’Loughlin knows his side need to up their if they want to pick up points on Sunday.
Limerick v Louth, **CHANGE OF VENUE & TIME** – University of Limerick, 2.30pm
Just like Westmeath, Limerick are looking to claim their third win from three when they welcome Louth to the TUS Gaelic Grounds on Sunday.
Good early starts and goals have been the platform for Limerick’s wins over Longford and Antrim. Manager Billy Lees will be hoping for more of the same Sunday.
Louth picked up a point against Longford in their last game; a pointed free from Sam Mulroy, right at the end, helping Mickey Harte’s side to their first point of the campaign.
Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland