Dublin and Derry will look to continue their unbeaten runs to bolster their promotion hopes and a Munster Derby takes place in Cork. Meath v Louth could be a fiery encounter at Páirc Tailteann on Sunday.
Dublin v Clare, Croke Park @ 19:00, Saturday 25th February
Dublin remain unbeaten in the second division and will be odds-on to make it four games on the bounce when they host Clare at GAA HQ on Saturday night.
The Banner have just one win in three games and another result will be vital if they are to steer safely away from the threat of relegation. They’ll be up against it from the start against the Dubs however.
These sides haven’t met in some time so this weekend’s opening fixture will be novel at the very least.
Kildare v Derry, Newbridge @ 14:00, Sunday 26th February
Kildare had a tough start in this year’s second tier but managed their first win last time out after they beat Clare by a single point. The Lilywhites will now be seeking to power out of seventh place in the division.
In Derry, Kildare come up against the top side in the division. The Oakleafs have been the better side in all of their encounters and look set to duel it out with the Dubs for league honours.
The Ulster side will be favourites heading into this one though Kildare could pose a challenge if they can find their top gear.
Meath v Louth, Páirc Tailteann @ 14:00, Sunday 26th February
The Royal County suffered a setback last week after falling to a heavy defeat to Derry at Owenbeg. Colm O’Rourke’s men have no choice to get back on track this round if they are to challenge for promotion.
Louth have had the opposite faith to their opponents. They began the league with two losses but Mickey Harte’s charges overcame Limerick last week to put their first points on the board.
With plenty of history behind this clash, this could be a fiery affair as the sides meet in their first league encounter for some time.
Cork v Limerick, Páirc Uí Chaoimh @ 15:45, Sunday 26th February
A Munster Derby will play out on Sunday when the Rebels host Limerick. Cork are looking for their second two-pointer after a loss to Dublin last week.
The hosts will still take a lot from their two point loss as they know they are capable of hanging in there with the best at this level. Limerick, on the other hand, look destined to be relegated.
The Treaty County have endured defeat in all their games but they’ll still feel they can match their neighbors. Still, Limerick lost out to Cork 2-18 to 1-16 in last year’s Munster Championship and will face an uphill task.
