The meeting of Dublin and Louth will have the greatest importance in the race for promotion, with both looking to secure passage to Div 1, elsewhere Kildare and Meath fight for position ahead of the SFC season.
Clare v Limerick, Sun March 26th, Cusack Park, 2pm
With both teams already facing relegation to Div 3, it is a dead rubber affair in Ennis with pride the only thing at stake.
Clare can finish level on four points with Kildare if they beat Limerick and Kildare lose to Meath, but with head to head coming into play this is why Clare are already relegated in the division.
Limerick have yet to score a win in the division and would like to finish above Clare in the standings, they have put in two spirited showings in recent weeks, they will be out for a big performance this weekend to end on a high.
Cork v Derry, Sun March 26th, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2pm
Derry already have their final spot booked and are out for a seventh win in a row as they travel to Leeside.
Cork are playing for table position more than anything this weekend as they cannot go up or down a division no matter the result, pride at stake their last home game of the season they will want a win in this tie for sure.
Derry would have a great advantage ahead of the league decider if they can make it seven wins from seven, they have looked a real strong outfit this season and will no doubt look to take on a high scoring Cork side this weekend and take a result back with them on the road.
Dublin v Louth, Sun March 26th, Croke Park, 2pm
Dublin and Louth are the two sides bidding to meet Derry in the league decider and with it get promoted to Div 1.
The Dubs only need a draw in headquarters to advance to the final and complete their passage back to Div 1, but it will not be easy as their form at times this year has dipped and Louth will be a test.
Mickey Harte’s men need to win this outing if they are to snatch promotion and have a shot at silverware, should Louth triumph they’ll finish level on 10 points with Dublin but finish above them via the Head to Head rule.
Kildare v Meath, Sun March 26th, St Conleth’s Park, 2pm
In Newbridge the tie between Kildare and Meath has more of a championship feel about it than the league, as it affects both sides ambitions in the All Ireland series.
The Lilywhites may miss out on fighting for Sam Maguire if they suffer defeat, they may miss out depending on how Leinster goes for them, but a win in their home venue would be a crucial step in ensuring their status in the championship.
Meath are above Kildare in the table but will want to guarantee a high finish as it might not guarantee the chance to fight for Sam Maguire in the summer, after last weekend’s defeat to Dublin they need to bounce back.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.