Derry and Meath do battle at Owenbeg on Saturday while Louth, Limerick and Kildare all go in search of their first win in the second tier. Clare seek another home win while Dublin look to extend their unbeaten run.
Derry v Meath, 17:00 @ Owenbeg, Saturday 18th February
Derry host Meath in the pick of this weekend’s Division 2 fixtures. The Ulster side lead the standings after recording two wins in two while Meath are also unbeaten but sit in third on points difference.
Derry’s last run out saw them beat a resilient Louth side 2-11 to 1-11 in a testing tie at Pairc Mhuire. The Oakleafs’ encounter with Meath could be even more challenging but if Rory Gallagher’s men can eke out a win they will look destined for top-flight football next year.
A result for the Royal County on Saturday would be a huge statement too. Colm O’Rourke’s outfit have been scoring goals for fun and their firepower could cause Derry some serious problems.
Louth v Limerick, 14:00 @ DEFY Pairc Mhuire, Sunday 19th February
Louth will sense their first win in the second tier must come against Limerick and they will be expected to do the business in Ardee. The Wee County could well have two wins on the board had they been that bit better up to now but a win is now vital if they are to play at this level next year.
Limerick have had a similar start to life in Division 2 in terms of results but they have been much less competitive. Derry and then Dublin have recorded big victories over the Treaty County, who may feel they will have a better chance to get a result in Louth.
These two newly promoted sides met in the Division 3 final last year, where Louth won out by five points. Previous to that, the Wee County also beat Treaty in round 3 and Limerick will be looking to finally get one over their Leinster opponents on Sunday.
Clare v Kildare, 14:00 @ Cusack Park, Sunday 19th February
Clare were overcome by Meath last time out and will be out to earn a second win of their league campaign versus Kildare. The Banner County had success over Louth at Cusack in the first round and home comforts may well give them an advantage again this weekend.
The Lilywhites would have hoped to have been in the mix for promotion to the top-flight this year but things have not gone to plan so far. Kildare endured a close defeat to Dublin in the opening round but were not at the races at all against Cork two weekends ago.
The visitors have plenty of young talent and if they can find their feet then a first win could follow on Sunday. They’ll have to cope with the experience of Clare in what could be a close affair.
Cork v Dublin, 15:45 @ Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Sunday 19th February
After a disappointing loss to Meath in the first round, the Rebels hit form with a big win over Kildare two weeks ago. They’ll be looking to push on in the third round but going up against Dublin will be an uphill task.
Cork have some of the most potent forwards in the division in Stephen Sherlock and Brian Hurley and if they have their shooting boots on then the Rebels will be in with a shout in front of their home support.
The Dubs promotion campaign has begun without fault after two rounds and they sit behind league leaders Derry on points difference only. If the Blues can string together a third win then they’ll look even stronger favorites to win the second tier title.
11-points separated these sides when they met in the All-Ireland quarter-final last year as Dublin won out 0-21 to 0-10 at Croke Park. Away from home, the story could be rewritten though the Rebels will have to show a lot more if they are to get anything out of the game.
