Dublin begin life in Division 2 against neighbours Kildare, Cork look for better fortunes after a disappointing campaign last year, while newly promoted Limerick could be a dark horse.
Derry v Limerick, Owenbeg @ 3pm, Saturday 28th January
Derry stormed to a Dr McKenna Cup win in the Championship last season and looked a very cohesive and entertaining side under Rory Gallagher. The Ulster Champions will be looking to bring that form into 2023 and challenge for promotion after coming close last year. Doire finished in third, just a point off of second-place Galway but will fancy their chances against newly promoted Limerick.
The Shannonsiders did well to escape division three and make the long journey up to Owenbeg in search of a result that could be a tough task. Ray Dempsey’s charges have appeared to be on an upward curve as of late but stopping the likes of Shane McGuigan and Paul Cassidy will not be easy. The McGrath Cup finalists will hope joint captains Donal O’Sullivan and Iain Corbett can inspire them to a big victory on the road.
Dublin v Kildare, Croke Park @ 5pm, Saturday 28th January
It may still be striking for many GAA fans to see the Dubs playing their football in the second division after their surprise relegation last season. However, the Sky Blues face into what could be a difficult opening game versus Leinster rivals Kildare.
The Lilywhites bring a host of youthful talent to Croke Park as they seek to pose themselves as realistic contenders in their province. Kildare endured a heavy defeat to Dessie Farrell’s men in last year’s Leinster final despite a big league win over the serial winning side that Spring. A repeat of that result would surely content Glen Ryan’s side though the Dubs will surely be out to prove a point in the second division.
Cork v Meath, Páirc Uí Chaoimh @ 1.30pm, Sunday 29th January
Cork found it tough going in Division 2 last year as they ended their campaign in sixth place with five points to their name. The Rebels will feel they should be plying their trade in the first division and this year offers them another opportunity to have a go at promotion. In Meath, they face another side that dream of restoring their pride and an engaging encounter could be on the cards at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
The two fallen counties met in round 5 of last season’s league and the Royals took the day with a 1-18 to 1-10 victory at Pairc Tailteann. Colm O’Rourke’s move to management has seen the ex-pundit put his neck on the line and he’ll be hoping another performance from his county can silence his critics. Cork recently lifted the McGrath Cup under the guidance of John Cleary and they come into this fixture in good form.
Clare v Louth, Cusack Park @ 2pm, Sunday 29th January
2022 Division 3 winners Louth make their way down to Cusack Park in the hopes of beginning a run that will see them gain a third promotion running. The Wee County have seen quite the improvement since installing Mickey Harte as manager, though the second division could prove a more difficult environment.
The Banner County are well used to their surroundings in the second tier and won’t offer Louth a warm welcome. Clare will be looking to improve upon a mid-table finish last year, particularly after showing the strength to reach an All-Ireland Quarter Final. Colm Collins’ outfit will be without David Tubridy although plenty of other talent lies in their ranks. Still, they’ll have to be in good form to stop Louth hitman Sam Mulroy, who notched 3-59 in last year’s third division.
