Division 1 of the Allianz Football League still remains a competitive landscape, with plenty still to play for as we have just two weekends left of action.
Kerry travel to Armagh to meet in a top of the table clash, while a repeat of last years All Ireland final gets the action underway in Omagh, while the remaining teams all look to put in a good performance to remain in the Division next year.
Tyrone v Mayo, O’Neill’s Healy Park, Saturday March 19th, 5.45pm
Mayo still believe a top two position can be obtained before the end of the competition, a win this weekend will be a huge boost for their ambitions, standing in their way are the All Ireland Champions, a repeat of last year’s final.
Tyrone were left disappointed by their performance against Dublin last weekend, as the early cracks shown by the Dubs looked to be non-existent last weekend, the management team of Brian Dooher and Fergal Logan will be expecting a response this weekend.
Mayo put in another gusty and strong performance against Kerry in Tralee last weekend, they felt hard done not to snatch a point in the narrow defeat, Mattie Ruane and Ryan O’Donoghue yet again the main influence for Mayo.
Armagh v Kerry, Athletic Grounds, Sunday March 20th, 2pm
The Kingdom have set the standard in the league this year, having accumulated nine points so far but Armagh have become the surprise package and have a final place on their minds.
The infirm Rian O’Neill has been a danger on the field for the hosts, as they have had a great stint in the league but a stern test with Kerry awaits this weekend at home.
It was a different forward who provided the decisive goal for the Kingdom last weekend, as Tony Brosnan struck to the back of the net, his fellow forwards have been strong so far this year, but they are aware of Armagh’s considerable threat in attack and defence.
Kildare v Monaghan, St Conleth’s Park, Sunday March 20th, 2.45pm
Kildare have looked a solid side this year, but the fixture against Monaghan will have implications for the loser, as the Lilywhites have looked impressive in Newbridge.
Despite some gutsy performances Kildare have only registered three points, which may prove not enough to keep them afloat in the division for next year.
Their opponents managed a hard earned victory over Donegal last weekend, the result giving them a point advantage in the table, both want to add to their accounts as Dublin look to be back to form after last weekend.
Dublin v Donegal, Croke Park, Sunday March 20th, 3.45pm
The Dubs looked to have resolved their shaky start last weekend, but Dongeal can provide another stern challenge this weekend for Dessie Farrell’s outfit.
Against Tyrone they looked a different opposition to what we have seen earlier in the league, the problems looked to have been resolved as they delivered a great performance.
Donegal require a positive result from the action this weekend, they fell short of the mark to Monaghan last weekend, the threat of relegation over their heads despite being fourth in the table.
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.