This week’s top-flight action kicks off with Kerry v Mayo this evening. Along with the Green and Red, Galway and Monaghan search for their first win while Roscommon aim to extend their unbeaten run. Tyrone and Donegal will look to record a second win in their respective campaigns.
Mayo v Kerry, 19:30 @ MacHale Park, Saturday 18th February
A cracking game usually plays out between Mayo and Kerry and supporters should expect no different on Saturday evening. Strangely, Mayo have tied their first two fixtures and will be looking for a win to keep them afloat in the top tier.
Kerry recorded their first victory in the second round after they defeated Monaghan 3-16 to 0-14 in Killarney. The All-Ireland champions have experimented with several new players this year and they’ll look to kick on again this weekend.
These sides met in the league final of 2022 where the Kingdom were convincing winners. Kerry also beat the Green and Red in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Mayo will be out to get their own back at MacHale.
Galway v Tyrone, 13:45 @ Tuam Stadium, Sunday 19th February
Galway had a difficult start to this year’s league, their first two games being Connacht Derbies. A draw with Mayo and a single point loss to the Rossies showed how competitive the province is but it did little for the Tribesmen’s league tally.
Tyrone were defeated by Roscommon in their opening fixture but were victorious over Donegal last time out. The Red Hands looked really impressive in that game and a similar performance this weekend could earn them another two points.
Having not met in a competitive fixture in recent years, this could be one of the more interesting ties of this weekend.
Roscommon v Armagh, 13:45 @ Dr Hyde Park, Sunday 19th February
Roscommon are the surprise leaders of the first division after two rounds and if their form from the first two rounds continues, they may well record three consecutive wins. Richard Hughes’ last minute point earned the Rossies a derby win over Galway last time out after the team showed resilience to comeback at Pearse Stadium.
Armagh also came back in their last game to earn a home draw with Mayo. Riann O’Neills points from the ground were vital to the result and Mayo will have to be vigilant that they do not give away too many frees for the Orchard County to capitalise on.
Monaghan v Donegal, 13:45 @ Clones, Sunday 19th February
Monaghan were stopped in their tracks away to Kerry two weeks ago and the Farney find themselves still without a result in the league. They’ll have to do better this weekend if they are to escape the relegation zone.
Donegal began this year’s league with a narrow yet impressive win over the Kingdom but saw their momentum stopped after an eight point defeat to Tyrone last time out. The Tir Chonaill were ineffective when behind the Red Hands and a different strategy may suit better on Sunday.
These two counties met in round 5 of last year’s league when Monaghan beat Donegal 1-12 to 0-10 at Ballybofey. Patrick McBrearty shot five points in that encounter and now that he’s out injured Donegal will have to summon scores from elsewhere to get a different result.
