Preview: Allianz NFL Div 3 Week 1

After a terrific O’Byrne Cup campaign, Longford look to set the ground running against Fermanagh, while a repeat of the inaugural Tailteann Cup final takes place in Mullingar on Sunday when Westmeath entertain Cavan.

Fermanagh v Longford, Ederney @ 2pm, Saturday 28th January

Both Fermanagh and Longford enjoyed uninspiring league campaigns last season,  finishing in fifth and sixth respectively. Longford only barely avoided the drop and they’ll be looking for better fortunes this year after storming to an O’Byrne Cup win this month. 

A visit to Ederney is never easy though and Paddy Christie’s side cannot afford to be complacent against a side that beat them in the league and Tailteann Cup last year. A hat trick of goals from Dessie Reynolds saw Longford past Louth in the O’Byrne Cup final and his scores could be pivotal on Sunday. Kieran Donnelly’s Fermanagh will no doubt look to make it difficult for their on-form opponents and get their season up and running with a win. 

Tipperary v Down, FBD Semple Stadium @ 6pm, Saturday 28th January

David Power’s Tipperary will hope to begin their league with a win over Down in front of their home support. After making their way up from the lowest tier, Tipp may feel they can continue their momentum and climb back into the second division. Down find themselves coming from the other direction after suffering relegation after a dismal showing in last year’s Division 2. 

Eamon Brown, Pat Havern and Barry O’Hagan have been named in the full forward line of a strong starting lineup for the county as they look to bounce back and . Tipp will be missing a few of their experienced heads this evening but the likes of Conor Sweeney and Mikey O’Shea will pose a threat for the home side.

Westmeath v Cavan, Cusack Park @ 2pm, Sunday 29th January

Westmeath and Cavan will relive last season’s inaugural Tailteann Cup final when they meet on Sunday. This could be a fiery affair as Cavan look to avenge their four point defeat at Croke Park last July. The Lake County, on the other hand, should enter the season full of confidence after they clinched silverware in 2022, even as they enter a new era of management under Dessie Dolan.

A late goal sealed a Westmeath victory over Cavan late on at GAA HQ and sent the county’s support into raptures. Five Ronan O’Toole points were also vital on the day and his scoring talent could be pivotal in seeing off Cavan again. The Breffni will have been disappointed with last season’s final loss and will feel they can match their opponents. The likes of Gearoid McKiernan and Paddy Lynch will cause plenty of trouble for Westmeath’s backs.

Antrim v Offaly, Corrigan Park @ 2pm, Sunday 29th January

The meeting between Antrim and Offaly marks a contest between two sides looking for improvement on the inter-county scene. The home side begin their first league with Andy McEntee at the helm while the experienced Liam Kearns has recently taken charge over Offaly. 

Offaly dropped from Division 3 after showing poor league form last year though they did reach the last four of the Tailteann Cup before suffering defeat to Westmeath. With that in mind, the Faithful might feel they have the capabilities to handle their Northern opponents. Antrim finished fourth in the division in 2022 and then exited the Tailteann in the first round. The Glens men will look to make an impression under their new manager and make their mark this season.

Jack Joy is a journalism student at Dublin City University

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